(ANSA) - Vatican City, November 2 - It is "inhumane" to close the door on refugees seeking asylum in Europe but host countries need to use "caution" to ensure that they can be properly integrated, Pope Francis said during his return journey from an ecumenical visit to Sweden on Tuesday. "We don't need to be frightened by migrants because Europe is the product of the continual integration of cultures," the pope said.
"If Sweden has lost its capacity to receive (migrants)" this is not "out of selfishness" and "caution" is needed in taking them in to ensure "a home, work, culture" for everyone," Francis continued.
"The worst councillor for countries that tend to close their borders is fear and the best councillor is caution," he said. Sweden is one of four EU countries that temporarily suspended the free cross-border movement of people in May to stem the influx of migrants and refugees.
'Caution' not 'fear' best councillor on refugees - pope
Host countries must be able to integrate them, Francis explains