Pope Francis said in his
message for next year's World Day of Migrants and Refugees that
"while respecting the universal right for a nationality, it must
be recognised and certified for all children at the moment of
birth.
"The statelessness in which migrants and refugees sometimes
find themselves can easily be avoided through legislation on
citizenship complying with the fundamental principles of
international law", Francis said.
We must "respond to the numerous challenges posed by
contemporary migrations with generosity, speed, wisdom and
far-sightedness, each according to his possibilities," Francis
said.
The pope stressed that "every foreigner who knocks on our
door is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ, who identifies
himself with the foreigner welcomed or rejected in every epoch".
The pope said migrants were a resources whose rights had to
be respected, and the "culture of encounter" must always be
encouraged.
He also called for more humanitarian corridors and proper
accommodation for migrants.
Francis also said personal security must be combined with
national security, and stressed the need to "welcome, protect,
promote and integrate".
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