Pope laments violence against refugees

November 17, 2014

Following his November 16 Angelus address, Pope Francis lamented the recent violence against refugees in Rome.

“In these days in Rome there have been very strong tensions between residents and immigrants,” he said.

“I invite the institutions, at all levels, to take as a priority that which now constitutes a social emergency and that, if not addressed promptly and in an adequate way, risks becoming worse,” he continued. “The Christian community is committed to this in a concrete way, so that there may be an encounter and not confrontation. Citizens and immigrants, with the representatives of institutions, can meet each other, even in a room in the parish, to talk together about the situation.”

He added:

The important thing is to not give in to the temptation of confrontation, to reject all violence. It is possible to dialogue, to listen, to plan together, And in this way overcome suspicion and prejudice and build a more secure, peaceful and inclusive coexistence.

 

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Further information:

• Le parole del Papa alla recita dell’Angelus (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope's Angelus Address: Do Not Preserve God's Grace in a Safe! (Zenit)
• Rome riot police to prevent attacks on refugees (AP)