Pope Francis on Monday
appealed to political and religious leaders to take a stand
against "fundamentalist terrorism" during an audience with the
diplomatic corps.
He said that this problem was "the fruit of serious spiritual
poverty" and "often... of considerable social poverty". He added
that terrorism can be "defeated only with the contribution of
religious and political leaders". He said the former should
transmit values that do not counterpose "fear of God and love of
others". The Catholic leader said that nations should not close
their doors to asylum seekers, while adding that he acknowledged
the need for governments to be prudent. The Argentine pontiff
said "a prudent approach" did not imply "policies of closure",
saying that authorities needed to assess how many people could
be received "with wisdom and long-sightedness". He added said
States must not let a few countries "support the humanitarian
burden" alone and thanked Italy, Germany, Greece and Sweden for
what they have done in the asylum-seeker crisis.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA