2016-04-16 17:09 Print ->
Francis stayed on April 16 on the Greek island of Lesbos. During the five-hour visit with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and the Orthodox archbishop of Athens and all Greece Hieronymus II visited located there refugee camp, in which he resides 2.5 thousand. of asylum seekers. Hierarchs ate dinner with them, signed a joint declaration and pray for those who have drowned in the Aegean Sea, when crossing to Greece. It was the 13th foreign trip of Pope Bergoglio.
During this moving and sometimes shocking visit three religious leaders urged the refugees not to lose hope. In a joint declaration called on the world to the courageous reaction to face huge humanitarian crisis associated with this group of people and its causes. According to the hierarchy of world public opinion can not ignore the problem of the spread of violence and armed conflict, persecution and expulsion of religious and ethnic minorities. The Pope pointed to the need for far-reaching policy, not unilateral action and ad hoc. He acknowledged that the concerns of institutions, people in Greece and other European countries associated with the refugee crisis are understandable and justified. He appealed that despite these fears not forgotten that migrants are not “numbers, but the people, the faces, names, stories.”
The largest disaster since World War II
Meeting with people who have experienced profound suffering, makes this trip different from the others – he said on the plane, the Holy Father reporters flying with him on Lesbos. He noted that it is about the greatest disaster since the Second World War. “We go to many people who suffer, not seeing where to go and run. We will visit the cemetery, which is the sea: a lot of people in it drowned. I say this not with bitterness, not to spread bitterness, but you may be able its present work convey attitude, with which undertake this journey, “- said Francis.
Thank you for the generosity of the Greeks
Airbus Italian airlines Alitalia with the Pope and accompanying people on board landed at. 10.04 local time at the international airport in Mytilene. They greeted him there: Prime Minister Aleksis Cipras, Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Hieronymus II and president of the Catholic bishops’ Greek Bishop Frangiskos Papamanólis.
After greeting the hosts left the plane and after playing hymns of the Vatican and the Greek Pope went to the representatives of secular and church. With politicians exchanged a handshake with the Orthodox clergy symbolic kiss. Then Prime Minister Cipras greeted kilkuosobowym the papal entourage.
The Pope, the Prime Minister, the patriarch, archbishops Orthodox and Catholic posed too photographers shared photos.
Then, in the airport building, the Holy Father spoke to Ciprasem . Starting with the Prime Minister warmly welcomed his guest in Greece and thanked him for his “historic visit”. He mentioned the efforts of the local society and the Church to help people fleeing the war. He stressed that despite the enormous difficulties the inhabitants of the Greek island of proving their solidarity to refugees. “With this you can be very proud,” especially that some governments “in the name of Christian Europe” erect walls and “hinder passage of wounded people. ‘” – Said the head of government.
For his part, Francis thanked Ciprasowi for that he could come to Greece. He stressed that he had come “above all, to thank the Greek for his generosity.” He added that “Greece is the cradle of culture and continues to give the world an example, showing his courageous generosity.”
After the meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Fr. Federico Lombardi SI issued a statement stating that talked mainly about the crisis associated with the influx of refugees and migrants, especially on Lesbos. He noted that both parties stressed that this crisis is a European problem and international, requiring a comprehensive response, with respect to European legislation and international law.
this was the second meeting of the Pope with Ciprasem. Earlier they talked, they at the Vatican in September 2014. when he was not yet prime minister, but only the head of a coalition of radical left Syriza, which in January 2015 came to power.
Then Francis spoke with Bartholomew and Jerome II. “We are all brothers,” – said the patriarch of Constantinople and ecumenical described the visit as “an appeal for solidarity.” “We need more commitment to those in need. Visit Francis will move the hearts of millions,” – stressed the spiritual ruler of world Orthodoxy, praising the inhabitants of the island, before opening the refugees’ homes and their hearts. ” In turn, the archbishop of Athens and all of Greece stressed that the pope arrives on this beautiful island at the critical moment, when Greece takes the economic crisis and coming to the refugees. He recalled that the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece sent a recent letter on this matter to the leaders of Europe and heads of churches.
From the airport the Pope traveled by minibus to a refugee camp in the village of Moria.
Do not lose hope!
at the entrance to the camp, in which he resides 2.5 thousand. of asylum seekers, of which a thousand are children, the Holy Father greeted the prime minister A. Cipras. There was also present 150 young refugees who lost their parents during the war. They had hand-written in English banners, among others “The pope is our hope”, “We need open borders”, “We want freedom”, “Greece, thank you – Europo, please,” “Save the Yezidi of genocide”, “We need help”, “Freedom to move,” “Christians Pakistani welcome the Pope. “Francis greeted each of them, saying from time to time in Arabic:” as-Salamu Alaykum “(Peace be with you).
the Pope waited a women who lost their husbands. with Muslim who could not give him a hand, he mentioned only bows. at that time, the young refugees repeatedly chanted “Freedom!” (Freedom).
the Pope and the two hierarchs of the Orthodox then entered the tent where five rows sat a family with children, a total of 250 people. Guests welcomed them, talked, listened to their stories, blessed. Many refugees said with tears in his eyes and gave vent to his emotions. Francis received from children drawings that it clearly touched and said he would tell them journalists during a press conference on the plane. Someone asked for a souvenir from the Pope and received a rosary. Some did a photo together with Francis. Repeatedly refugees repeated request: “Help us!”. Also they repeated that despite religious differences enjoy the meeting with the Pope. At the end of hierarchs they listened to songs odśpiewanej by a group of children.
Then, under the roof at one of the containers standing in the courtyard, where the registered refugees, all three gave short speeches. Jerome II stressed that the presence of the Pope on the area of the Church of Greece is of key importance for the common bear witness “to the whole world, Christian and non-Christian, about the current crisis, the tragedy of refugees.” He also thanked Patriarch Bartholomew for being “first in Orthodoxy” combines his prayer, “the voice of the churches rang again with even greater force and has been heard.”
“Today we join their voices in condemnation of uprooting their [the refugees] and denouncing all forms of humiliation of the human person “- continued the archbishop of Athens. He expressed the hope that on this Greek island begin a new movement throughout the world become aware of the need to change the current situation by those in whose hands rests the fate of nations and to restore peace and security to every home, every family and every citizen.
prelate He noted that, unfortunately, not the first time exposes the policies that led people to this dramatic situation. “But we will work until the end this abnormality and violation of human dignity” – he asserted firmly. He noted that “there is no need here many words,” and only those “who crossed the eyes of small children, who met in the refugee camps will be able to immediately recognize, in all its fullness” bankruptcy “of humanity and solidarity shown by Europe in recent between these people and not only to them. “
Jerome expressed his pride in his nation, which – in spite of the difficulties he is experiencing – contributes to that a little bit relieve Calvary refugees on their way. “The Church of Greece and I personally mourn the many lives that were lost in the Aegean Sea” – said the chief of the Greek Orthodox Church. He stressed that much has been done and assured that it will still be much to do in the face of this crisis on their possibilities.
At the end of Jerome wrote a “one request, one appeal, almost a provocation to the agenda of the United Nations with his great experience, we have to offer, they took in the end this tragic situation we are living. ” “I hope I never see kids thrown into the waves of the Aegean Sea. I hope that soon I will see them in the same places, enjoying their childhood, “- concluded the archbishop of Athens and all of Greece.
” We have come here to look you in the eye, hear your voices, shake your hands and your tell you that care about you and ensure that the world has not forgotten about you, “- said the refugees patriarch Bartholomew. Recalling the words of Psalm 46 (45), that “the Lord is our refuge and strength,” he stressed that “we should not be afraid.” “We know that you have come from areas of war, famine and suffering, your hearts are full of anxieties about your family and that you are looking for a safer and more enlightened future” – assured the honorary chief of the Orthodox Church.
“We cried when we saw the Sea Mediterranean becomes a grave for your loved ones. We cried, seeing the sympathy and sensitivity of the inhabitants of Lesbos. But I also cried when we saw the hardness of our hearts, and your brothers and sisters, closing borders and turn their backs on you “- confessed patriarch. He pointed out that those who are afraid of the refugees, not looked into their eyes, they did not see their faces or their children, they forget that the dignity and freedom are above fear and division. They forget that emigration is not the problem of the Middle East, North Africa, Europe or Greece, but this is a problem all over the world. He added that the world will be judged by the way he treated these people – said Bartholomew. He noted that everyone will be responsible for how respond to this crisis and the conflict in the regions in which they live.
“Mediterranean should not be grave, but it has to be a place of life, the crossroads of cultures and civilizations, exchange and dialogue, “- said the ecumenical patriarch. But, as noted, to have discovered it on his new appointment, the Mare Nostrum, namely Aegean Sea should be the sea of peace. He called for prayers that the conflicts in the Middle East, which is the first cause of the crisis of refugees stopped as soon as possible, and that peace was restored there. Speaking about the inhabitants of the area recalled the dramatic situation of Christians of Middle Eastern and other living there religious and ethnic minorities, who need urgent intervention, not to have ceased to exist. “We promise you that you will never forget about you” – assured Bartholomew.
“Peace is not the end of history, but it is the beginning of the history associated with the future” – continued the Patriarch of Constantinople. He pointed out that “this beautiful island, where we are now, there is only a point on the map,” and recalled that Jesus had silenced the wind and the sea, then returned to the room. “God bless you, let him protect you and give you peace” – concluded his speech by Bartholomew, ensuring that “we will do everything to open the eyes and hearts of the world.”
“I wanted to be with you today . I want to tell you that you are not alone “- confessed to turn the Pope, recalling that many were forced to flee because of conflict and persecution, especially because of the children. “Zaznaliście the pain of leaving behind everything that was you, expensive and – probably even more difficult – not knowing what the future will bring,” – said Francis.
He noted that he came to Lesbos, to the Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Jerome draw world attention to the serious humanitarian crisis and pray for its solution. “As people of faith we would like to join our voices to speak on your behalf. We hope that the world perceive these situations tragic and really desperate needs and respond in a manner worthy of our common humanity, “- said the Holy Father.
He said that when suffering from any of our brothers or sisters, touches us all and how easy it is for some people to ignore the suffering of others, and even use their weakness. He stressed that crises can bring out the people also what the best in them. He pointed to the Greeks, who have generously responded to the needs of refugees despite its own difficulties and everyone, especially young people, from all over Europe and the world, who rushed to the help of migrants.
Francis said he arrived refugees with a message: “Do not lose hope!”. “The greatest gift we can give each other love: merciful glance, willingness to listen and understand a word of encouragement, prayer” – said the Pope. Recalling the example of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel parable urged: “Let all our brothers and sisters on the continent, like the Good Samaritan, come to your aid in that spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and respect for human dignity, which is characterized by its long history.”
In conclusion, he called: “May God bless all of you and especially your children, the elderly and those who suffer in body and spirit.” He assured of his love and prayer for “God’s gifts of courage and peace” for the refugees and those who help them.
After delivering speeches Francis, Bartholomew and Jerome II signed a joint declaration. Stressed in her, they met on the Greek island of Lesbos, to demonstrate his deep concern for the tragic situation of many refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who come to Europe, fleeing from conflict situations, in many cases, the daily threats to their survival.
They noted that world public opinion can not ignore the gigantic humanitarian crisis caused by the spread of violence and armed conflict, persecution and expulsion of religious and ethnic minorities. Recalled that the tragedy of forced migration and displacement affects millions and called on the international community to courageous response in order to tackle this enormous humanitarian crisis and the root causes of its foundation, the initiative of the diplomatic, political and charitable and joint efforts of both the Middle East and Europe .
hierarchs expressed their willingness to support the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and reconciliation, and called on all political leaders to ensure that individuals and communities, including Christians remain in their homelands and enjoyed the basic right to live in peace and security. They called also for the defense of basic human rights, minorities, combating trafficking and smuggling of people, to eliminate dangerous routes, such as those by the Aegean Sea and the whole Mediterranean Sea and to develop safe procedures for resettlement.
They called for ending the war and violence in the Middle East, for a fair and lasting peace and honorable return of people forced to flee their homes. They encouraged religious communities to increase their efforts to adopt, assistance and protection to refugees of all faiths.
hierarchs asked all countries to as long as necessary, grant asylum interim, offered refugee status eligible persons .
They stressed that Europe today stands in front of one of the most serious humanitarian crises since the end of world war II. They appealed to all the followers of Christ to remember his words: “Truly, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
hierarchs declared that they will step up its efforts to promote full unity of all Christians. “Defending the basic human rights of refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants, and many people marginalized in our societies, we strive to fulfill the mission of the churches to serve the world” – said in a statement.
Finally, they called on the international community to recognize a priority protection of human life and to support at every level of such integration activities, which include all the religious communities. Assured of his constant prayers for all affected by the current humanitarian crisis, including so many Christian brothers and sisters.
After signing the declaration of the Pope, the Patriarch and Archbishop ate dinner in a container together with eight representatives of the refugees and translators. At the request of Bartholomew Francis refused first blessing.
After lunch hierarchs drove off to Mytilene, where the port celebrated those who died trying to across the sea to get to Europe.
Prayers for refugees and migrants
in the port of Mytilene Francis with two hierarchs of the Orthodox and residents of the city and local Catholics prayed for the victims of migration.
Earlier, in a short speech he expressed his admiration for the Greek people, who, despite facing the serious difficulties “could have open hearts and doors.” “God will reward this generosity, as well as other neighboring nations who from the first moments adopted with great readiness of many forced migrants” – assured the Holy Father thanked the volunteers, associations and public institutions for the “fraternal closeness”, support and work on behalf of refugees.
He reiterated ardent appeal for responsibility and solidarity in the face of such a dramatic situation. He pointed out that many refugees Lesbosie and in various parts of Greece lives in critical conditions, in an atmosphere of anxiety and fear, sometimes despair because of the hardship and insecurity. He admitted that concerns the institutions and the people in Greece and other European countries are understandable and justified. He called that even though it is not forgotten that migrants are not “numbers, but the people, the faces, names, stories.”
Francis reminded that Europe is the homeland of human rights, and anyone “who sets foot on this earth should experience this; thus become more aware that their part should respect them and protect them. ” He pointed to those who lost their lives at sea, “becoming the victims of inhumane traveling and being oppressed by the wicked oppressors.”
The Pope appreciated spoke about the inhabitants of the island who show that these lands, which are the cradle of civilization still pulsing heart of humanism, which “can recognize first of all a brother and sister, humanism, which wants to build bridges and who shuns illusion climb fences to feel safer.”
Francis appealed to refugee work long-term policy, and not just temporary measures. He pointed to the need to build peace where war has brought death and destruction and to prevent potential conflicts. He called for firmly opposing the spread of and trade in weapons and associated with the underground interests. He encouraged cooperation between countries, international organizations and humanitarian institutions, not to isolate support those who take the risk.
The Holy Father expressed the hope that the first World Summit on the Humanitarian, which next month will be held in Istanbul, will end a success.
He also pointed to the need for cooperation of churches and religious communities in tackling the problem of migrants. “My presence here with Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Jerome testifies to our will further cooperation to this epochal challenge was an opportunity not to confront, but to the development of the civilization of love” – he assured. “Thank you, because you are the guardians of humanity, because of the tender care you take care of the body of Christ, who suffers the least hungry brother and foreign, which welcomed” – said the pope, thanking the Greek: “?????????” .
the meeting was held in front of the Command of the Coast Guard. They gathered there a few thousand people. Also present was Prime Minister Alexis Cipras.
After the Pope’s speech Jerome, Bartholomew and Francis refused to turn a short prayer for the victims of migration. They also asked for God’s support and comfort for refugees. After a minute of silence for the intentions of those who lost their lives trying to get by sea to Europe, three children handed hierarchs laurel wreaths, which they threw into the sea.
After the meeting in the port minibus with hierarchs drove to the airport. There, the Pope said goodbye to him: Prime Minister Cipras, Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Hieronymus II and Bishop Papamanólis.
The building airports Francis held a brief conversation with the Prime Minister, who thanked the reception and noted that Cipras wasted for him all day.
already at the airport the Pope greeted a group of 12 refugees (three Muslim families from Syria), who flew with him to Rome, where they will be hosted by the Community of St. Giles.
& copy; All rights reserved. SeeNo part or whole song & oacute; in included on the portal niedziela.pl may not be reproduced in any form or by any SPOS & oacute; b for all fields of use, including copying and web publishing – without written permission of the editor of the Catholic Weekly & quot; Friday & quot ;. Any use or the use of song & oacute; in whole or in part without the consent of the editor of the Catholic Weekly & quot; Friday & quot; in violation of the law, it is prohibited and may be prosecuted.
->Forums: News
Tags: refugees Francis on Lesbos
No comments:
Post a Comment