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Ph:DR: Visit of Pope Francis to Marseille in France
Visiting Marseille last week, Pope Francis gave a speech in which the question of immigration was addressed… According to Pope Francis, the city of Marseille appears to be “the capital of the integration of peoples” this Saturday, September 23, 20th” at the Palais du Pharo.
During his pastoral visit, the Sovereign Pontiff took the opportunity to clarify his position which, according to some observers, appears more complex than it appears in favor of the reception and integration of migrants. “We can no longer witness the tragedies of shipwrecks caused by the fanaticism of indifference,” declared Pope Francis in front of the memorial in honor of sailors and migrants who died at sea, during the first day of his visit to Marseilles.
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) exchanges gifts with Pope Francis at the end of a private audience at the Vatican on June 26, 2018. (Photo by Alessandra Tarantino / POOL / AFP)
“Faced with the tragedies that are bloodying the Mediterranean, we need conscious actions” he urged, calling on Europe to choose “the culture of humanity”. After this vibrant appeal in favor of migrants, the Sovereign Pontiff invited the European authorities to “ welcome migrants, protect them, support them and ensure their integration” he pleaded. Also, he recalls European responsibility in the face of the migratory phenomenon: “Migrants who risk their lives at sea to reach Europe do not invade them. They should not be considered as a burden to bear…” insisted Pope Francis who unfortunately regrets the closure of several Mediterranean ports.
A vibrant message is therefore sent to European conservatives who are opposed to welcoming migrants by asserting their desire to defend European civilization. “Europe, being the cradle of civilization, must not become the tomb of dignity” criticized an assembly made up of Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for migration issues, Margaritis Schinas; of French President, Emmanuel Macron and his Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin.
