We must take in those fleeing war and hunger, Pope Francis said Wednesday in the Polish city of Krakow, where he is on hand to mark the Catholic Church's World Youth Day.
Some challenges, such as the ongoing refugee crisis, "require the courage of truth and a constant ethical commitment" so that decisions will respect "human dignity", the pontiff told Polish President Andrzej Duda, officials and diplomats gathered to welcome him in the court of honor of Krakow's Wawel Castle.
Francis urged leaders to show "willingness to welcome all those who flee wars and hunger" and to show "solidarity towards those deprived of their fundamental rights, among them the right to freely and safely profess their faith".
The pontiff added he hopes "the causes of emigration from Poland" will be identified so that those who want to can return.
The Catholic Church's 31st World Youth Day kicked off Tuesday and runs through July 31.
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