Pope Francis said Tuesday that
he would not rule out the possibility of talks with militant
Islamist group ISIS as he returned from delivering speeches
urging European leaders to work to counter religious
fundamentalism.
Collective action to promote the values of openness and
inclusiveness were key themes as Francis made a quick, four-hour
visit to Strasbourg to deliver his first speech to the European
Parliament followed by an address to the Council of Europe.
In a subtle dig at right-wing political forces opposed to
migration from other countries and other religious backgrounds,
Francis told the European body that Europe's roots in diverse
faiths were an antidote to extremism.
"A Europe that is capable of appreciating its religious
roots and of grasping their fruitfulness and potential will be
all the more immune to the many forms of extremism spreading in
the world today, not least as a result of the great vacuum of
ideals that we are witnessing in the West," the pope said.
He returned to that theme when questioned by reporters
during his flight back to Rome from Strasbourg.
"I never give up something for lost," the pope said when
asked about ISIS.
"I don't know if you can (have a) dialogue with the Islamic
State, but I never close the door. My door is always open,"
added the 77-year-old pontiff.
During his speech to parliament, the pope deplored
persecution against religious minorities around the world who he
said are "subjected to barbaric acts of violence" - a reference
to ISIS which has executed numerous prisoners including brutal
beheadings of Western journalists and aid workers.
"Communities and individuals today find
themselves...evicted from their homes and native lands, sold as
slaves, killed, beheaded, crucified or burned alive, under the
shameful and complicit silence of so many," said Francis.
Christians in particular are facing deadly attacks, the
pope added.
MEPs broke into applause when Francis said that employment
is essential if a person is to maintain dignity.
"What dignity can a person ever hope to find when he or she
lacks food and the bare essentials for survival and, worse yet,
when they lack the work which confers dignity?" said the pope.
Francis also called for better treatment and a recognition
of the dignity of migrants to Europe, calling for a "united
response" among Europeans on migration.
"We cannot allow the Mediterranean to become a vast
cemetery," the pope said, referring to the hundreds who have
died sailing to Europe via Italy from war-torn states in Africa
and the Middle East.
Over 100,000 migrants have arrived this year alone.
"The boats landing daily on the shores of Europe are filled
with men and women who need acceptance and assistance," said
Francis, who also called for greater efforts at creating
employment - especially for youth.
Europe is struggling with high levels of unemployment,
especially among young people.
In Italy, unemployment among youth is more than 40%.
"There is the grave problem of labour, chiefly because of
the high rate of young adults unemployed in many countries - a
veritable mortgage on the future - but also for the issue of the
dignity of work," the pope later told the Council of Europe.
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