Pope says disarm violent, defeat traffickers, don't be afraid

(ANSA) - Vatican City, May 19 - Pope Francis on Thursday called on governments to take action to disarm human traffickers and other people involved in violence. "For those suffering the tragedy of violence and forced migration, we must be resolute in making their plight known to the world community, so that as they lack the strength or ability to cry out, their voice may be heard in our own," he said. "The path of diplomacy helps us to both amplify and convey this cry by seeking solutions to the many underlying causes of the conflicts of our day," he added as he he received ambassadors from Estonia, Malawi, Namibia, the Seychelles, Thailand and Zambia, who together presented their credentials. "This applies especially in our efforts to remove weapons from those perpetrating violence, and to end the scourge of human trafficking and the drug trade which often support this evil". The Argentine pontiff said leaders should promote integration that "respects the traditions of migrants and preserves the culture of the community receiving them, all the while enriching both." He also warned against adopting short-sighted solutions in a time of fundamentalist terrorism and massive migration flows.
    "If misunderstanding and fear prevail something of ourselves dies, our cultures, history and traditions are weakened, and our own peace is compromised," he said.