Pope Francis on Tuesday
asked forgiveness from refugees for the "closure and
indifference" with which they are "too often" treated.
"Too often we have failed to welcome you! Forgive the
closure and indifference of our societies that fear the change
in lifestyle and mentality that your presence requires," the
pope said in a video message for the 35th anniversary of the
foundation of the Jesuit-run Centro Astalli service for
refugees.
"(You are) treated like a burden, a problem, a cost, instead
you are a gift," Francis added.
The pope has made solidarity with refugees and
asylum-seekers a central theme of his papacy and on Saturday he
visited the Greek island of Lesbos to show support for thousands
of asylum-seekers there.
Three Syrian families including a total of six children
subsequently returned with him to Italy and will be looked after
by the Sant'Egidio Catholic community in Rome while their asylum
applications are being processed.
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