The Italian Bishops' Conference
(CEI) on Thursday said people cannot "look away" when faced with
the migrant emergency.
"With respect to what is happening we do not intend to look
away nor to take on board contemptuous words and aggressive
attitudes," the CEI said.
The bishops also issued an appeal to "save humanity from
barbarity" on the issue.
All human life, starting from "that which is most exposed,
humiliated and trampled on" must be safeguarded, the CEI said.
Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who has been criticised for
shutting ports to foreign NGOs, said "we will save as many lives
as possible by letting as few people as possible depart".
Asked if he would reopen the ports to NGOs, he said "No".
photo: CEI chief Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti
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