Francis at the airport in Mytilene greeted the prime minister Alexis Tsipras, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew and Archbishop of Athens Hieronymus. This historic meeting, whose aim is to sensitize the world to the problem of migrants coming to Europe, among other things, just by Lesbos.
– This trip is marked by sadness, it’s sad journey – Francis told reporters who traveled with him by plane from Rome. The Pope explained that we are witnessing the biggest humanitarian disaster since the end of World War II.
– We’ll see so many people who suffer, who are fleeing, and they do not know where to go – said Francis.
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“bore great sacrifices”
During a visit to Lesvos hierarchs visited the refugee camp. The Pope said he identifies with the pain of those who had to leave their homeland. His speech began with the words: “You are not alone” and stressed that refugees and immigrants in recent weeks and months have had to endure a lot of suffering in the pursuit of a better life.
The Pope added that many were forced to flee from conflict and persecution, especially because of their children. – Bore great sacrifices for their families. Zaznaliście the pain of leaving behind everything that was dear to you – said Francis.
He noted that concerns the institutions and the people in Greece and other European countries are “understandable and justified.”
– But we must not forget that migrants are not numbers, but people, faces, names, stories. Europe is the home of human rights, and anyone who puts a foot on European soil should experience this; thus become more aware that their part should respect them and defend them – said Francis.
The call to end the war
The three hierarchs signed a declaration in which they called on the international community to respond to the crisis migration. They write with a deep concern for the tragic situation of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, who are fleeing from conflicts and threats to Europe.
Immigrants in Europe
The authors of the appeal believe that world public opinion can not ignore the humanitarian crisis caused by the spread of violence and armed conflict, persecution and expulsion of religious and ethnic minorities. Therefore ask all countries to grant temporary asylum and refugee status offered to eligible, as long as there is a need.
also calling for an end to war and violence in the Middle East, a just and lasting peace and dignified return of refugees and immigrants, and religious communities to increase their efforts to adopt, assistance and protection to refugees of all faiths.
Request for Help
The meeting with the pope admitted about two hundred and fifty refugees, among them many women and children. Some of them were crying, one of the girls fell at the feet of the pope, who did not hide his emotions.
Migrants stranded in Greece, they said that they could not live in such conditions that prevail at the resort, and asked the Pope for help. She spoke with him also jazydka. Jazydzi a religious minority especially persecuted by ISIS. Jazydki flee to Europe, because in Iraq, where they live, are taken by force from their homes and become sex slaves jihadists.
Source: San Giuseppe da Copertino / YouTube
laurel wreaths at sea
Later, the three hierarchs commemorated migrants who drowned in the Aegean Sea during a crossing from Turkey to the Greek islands. Wreaths of laurel leaves rushed to the sea in the port capital of Lesbos, Mytilene. The Pope in his speech said that since the island became a gateway for migrants on their journey to Europe, he wanted her to come.
He thanked God for the opportunity of being in this place. He expressed his appreciation for the Greeks, who, despite the problems, they opened their hearts to migrants and embraced them. He stated that he also blesses the work of hundreds of volunteers who came to Lesbos, to help the refugees.
Francis admitted that cooperation is needed between states, nations and organizations, and not isolation. He stressed that all those who come to the Greek shores, our sisters and brothers.
“Small things change then in the larger”
Ashibe Talib – a student from Canada, which she paid for her trip to Lesbos and has helped many migrants explained that she came there because it was like making a small step in a large case. – Small things change then in larger and expand awareness and discussion on the enormous crisis – added a volunteer in an interview with Polish Radio.
To conclude the visit on the Greek island of Lesbos, the pope took twelve refugees on board the plane, which flew to the Vatican. The communication of the Holy See says that a family of three, a total of 12 people, including six children.
IAR / PAP / and
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