Pope faces backlash from Gypsy activists after talk that 'reinforced stereotypes'
October 29, 2015
Pope Francis is facing criticism for an address to an audience of Gypsies in which, according to critics, he perpetuated stereotypes about the Gypsy, or Roma, peoples.
At a Vatican audience on October 26, the Pope strongly affirmed the rights of Gypsies, who have come under heavy pressure because of anti-immigrant sentiments in Europe. But the Pontiff also said that Gypsies could improve their own public image by avoiding “lies, frauds, swindles, altercations.” Citing the importance of education, he went on to say that Gypsy parents should not resist pressure to enroll their children in public schools.
Some Roma activists took exception to those messages, saying that the Pope was reinforcing prejudices. “He is blaming the victim,” said William Bila of the Roma Education Fund, who said that the Pope should have told Gypsy parents to “stand up and fight for their rights as equal European citizens."
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Further information:
- Pope 'reinforced Roma and Sinti stereotypes' (The Local)
- Pope admonishes Gypsies to repair public image (CWN, 10/26)
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