Pope Francis appealed for governments and the public to work to ensure refugees from every country and of every religion are received with dignity and given "reasons for hope" in his general audience on Wednesday. "Jesus was refugee," Francis said, two days ahead of International Refugee Day.
"He had to flee to save his life. He went to Egypt with Joseph and Mary". Italy is struggling to cope with a massive increase in the already high numbers of migrants who attempt the hazardous crossing from North Africa every year.
It is estimated that 50,000 have arrived so far in 2014, while scores have died in migrant-boat disasters. During the general audience, the pope praised the faithful in St Peter's Square for not being put off by the torrential rain that has hit Rome and other parts of Italy in recent days and is forecast to continue.
"You did well to come with this weather," the Argentine pontiff said.
"Let's hope we finish the audience without getting wet. May the Lord have mercy on us". http://popefrancisnewsapp.com/
Pope appeals for 'dignified' reception for refugees
Francis recalls that Jesus had to flee persecution