Francis accompanied the Orthodox dignitaries: the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew and Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Hieronymus visited the refugee camp Moriah, where there are about 2,500 people waiting for asylum.
They walked among hundreds of minors and mothers with children, elderly people. Francis greeted handshake with many of them spoke, embraced. Many of them told him they were from Syria and Iraq.
The migrants held up banners: “We want freedom”, “The Pope is our hope”. On one bore appeal: “Please save me Yazidis,” referring to a religious group persecuted in the territories occupied by jihadists of the Islamic State (IS).
Then, in the tent with the representatives of the Orthodox Pope greeted the turn of the 250 refugees and listened to their stories. Many of them wept and begged the Pope for help.
“You are not alone”
There is also Francis made a speech, which began with the words: “I wanted to be with you today. I want to tell you that you are not alone.”
– In the past months and weeks endured much suffering in their quest for a better life. Many of you felt compelled to flee from conflict and persecution, especially because of your children, baby – he said.
The Pope said: “I came here with my brothers, Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Jerome, just to be with you and hear your stories. We have come to draw the world’s attention to this serious humanitarian crisis and pray for its solution” .
As people of faith – he added – we would like to join our voices to speak on your behalf. We hope that the world perceive these situations really tragic and desperate needs and respond in a manner worthy of our common humanity.
– When you suffer from any of our brothers or sisters, we are all affected. We all know from experience how easily some people ignore the suffering of others, and even use their weakness – noted Francis.
Not much to do
Then he said that such crises can be triggered in people is the best. He drew attention to the attitude of the Greek people, who “generously” responded to the needs of refugees, despite its own difficulties.
He recalled that many people came from Europe to help migrants to the Greek.
– It’s true, a lot remains to be done. But thank God that in our sufferings will never leave us the same – he argued.
The Pope appealed to the refugees: “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 – he stressed.
immigrants in Europe
He recalled the parable of the Good Samaritan, who saw the need for human and immediately stopped to help him.
– For us it is a parable that refers to God’s mercy, addressed to everyone, because God is merciful. It is also an appeal to show the same mercy to those in need. 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 – called Francis.
He assured the migrants: “I embrace you all with affection. For you and those who care for you, I pray for God’s gifts of courage and peace.”
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew said in a speech addressing the refugees: “The world will be judged after I treated you.”
– We all responsible for the way in which we respond to the crisis and conflict in your region – he added.
Pope during his visit to the camp received drawings from children. Turning to one of his colleagues said then: “I do, you have to keep them, they can not get lost, I want to have it on his desk.”
Source: San Giuseppe da Copertino / YouTube
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