Hajja Salesjana

also to receive from others.” The Pope emphasized that migrants shouldn’t be seen solely on the basis of their status as regular or irregular, but above all as persons with dignity who are able to contribute the well-being of society. Francis assured the Church’s closeness to all who work to defend the right of each person to live in dignity, especially in exercising their right not to emigrate. Pope Francis also underlined the fact that public opinion “needs to be correctly formed, not least to prevent unwarranted fears and speculations detrimental to migrants.” No one, he said, can claim to be indifferent in front of the new forms of slavery that buy and sell men, women and children as forced laborers in construction, a g r i c u l t u r e , fishing or in various other markets, as well as those who force children to fight as soldiers. “Today’s refugees are fleeing from these aberrant crimes, and they appeal to the Church and the human community to ensure that, in the outstretched hand of those who receive them, they can see the face of the Lord,” the Pope observed. He closed his message by stressing the importance of the Gospel of mercy, and entrusted all migrants and refugees to the care of Mary and St. Joseph, who also experienced “the bitterness” of their flight to Egypt, and extended his blessing to those who invest in the pastoral and social care of migrants. The Pope said that identity is not a secondary question in the matter, and noted how both those forced to migrate as well as the receiving countries are often forced to change some of their most distinct attributes, whether they like it or not. He questioned how these changes can be viewed not as obstacles to development, but rather “as opportunities for genuine human, social and spiritual growth, a growth which respects and promotes those values which make us ever more humane.” “How can we ensure that integration will become mutual e n r i c h m e n t , open up positive perspectives to c o mm u n i t i e s , and prevent the danger of discrimination, racism, extreme nationalism or xenophobia?” As an answer, Francis pointed to the biblical emphasis on welcoming the stranger, and said that in doing so “we open our doors to God… in the faces of others we see the face of Christ himself.” In response to these immigration issues we are faced with the question on how the Church can imitate the example and words of Jesus, Pope Francis said, explaining that the answer is “the Gospel is mercy.” “Mercy,” he said, “nourishes and strengthens solidarity towards others as a necessary response to God’s gracious love. Concern for fostering good relationships with others and the ability to overcome prejudice and fear are essential ingredients for promoting the culture of encounter, in which we are not only prepared to give, but Photo by Barbara Zandoval - Unsplash.com 33 April - Ġunju 2023 hajja