Pope Francis on
Thursday warned that attitudes that many thought were a thing of
the past, such as racism, are taking new life and can inspire
acts of intolerance and discrimination, urging politicians not
to exploit fears against immigrants
"We are living in times in which feelings that many thought
had passed are taking new life and spreading", the pontiff told
an international conference on "Xenophobia, racism and populist
nationalism in the context of world migrations" promoted by the
Vatican's Dicastery for Integral Human Development.
The pope cited, in particular, "feelings of suspicion, fear,
contempt and even hatred towards individuals or groups judged
for their ethnic, national or religious identity and, as such,
considered not sufficiently worthy of being fully part of
society's life".
He added that such feelings "too often inspire real acts of
intolerance, discrimination or exclusion".
The pope also warned political leaders not to exploit the
fear and difficulties of certain groups.
"Unfortunately, it also happens that in the world of
politics" some give in to the "temptation of exploiting the
fears and objective difficulties of some groups, using illusory
promises for short-sighted electoral interests".
Francis continued saying that "those who take economic
advantage of the climate of distrust in foreigners", fostering a
system of insecurity and exploitation - "sometimes at such a
level to create real forms of slavery - should search deep into
their own conscience, knowing that one day they will have to
respond to God for the choices they made".
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