Pope Francis’ message released for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Salt + Light Media

September 24, 2013
Pope accepts offertory gifts as he celebrates Mass in port of Lampedusa
Migrants and Refugees: Towards a better world.That is the title of Pope Francis’ message released today for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees which is celebrated on January 19, 2014.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our societies are experiencing, in an unprecedented way, processes of mutual interdependence and interaction on the global level. While not lacking problematic or negative elements, these processes are aimed at improving the living conditions of the human family, not only economically, but politically and culturally as well. Each individual is a part of humanity and, with the entire family of peoples, shares the hope of a better future. This consideration inspired the theme I have chosen for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees this year: Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Better World. 
In our changing world, the growing phenomenon of human mobility emerges, to use the words of Pope Benedict XVI, as a “sign of the times” (cf. Message for the 2006 World Day of Migrants and Refugees). While it is true that migrations often reveal failures and shortcomings on the part of States and the international community, they also point to the aspiration of humanity to enjoy a unity marked by respect for differences, by attitudes of acceptance and hospitality which enable an equitable sharing of the world’s goods, and by the protection and the advancement of the dignity and centrality of each human being.
CNS photo description - Pope Francis accepts the offertory gifts during Mass in the port of the island of Lampedusa July 8. The pope called for repentance over treatment of migrants during his visit to the Italian island where massive numbers of Africans have landed in attempts to reach Europe.
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