MIGRANTI E RIFUGIATI: UOMINI E DONNE IN CERCA DI PACE. MESSAGGIO PER LA CELEBRAZIONE DELLA GIORNATA MONDIALE DELLA PACE 2018

Pope Francis’ message for the celebration of the 51st world day of peace is addressed particularly the more than 250 million migrants worldwide, of whom 22.5 million are refugees. Quoting his predecessor Benedict XVI’s words, the Pontiff reminds us that «they are men and women, children, young and elderly people, who are searching for somewhere to live in peace». Holy Father’s call is to embrace all those who flee from war and hunger, or who are forced by discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation to leave their homelands, with spirit of compassion. We are aware that opening our hearts to the suffering of others is not enough because «welcoming others requires concrete commitment». Pope’s hope is that in the course of  2018 the United Nations will draft and approve two Global Compacts, one for safe, orderly and regular migration and the other one for refugees.