Pope Francis on Thursday
called for the return of refugees to Syria and Iraq.
The pope made his plea at a virtual meeting of Church leaders in
the Middle East on Thursday with a video message.
The meeting focused on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria
and Iraq, as well as in neighboring Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan.
Dozens of representatives of local Catholic charities and
Churches took part, including aid organizations, diocesan
representatives, and religious congregations which operate in
the Middle East.
According to a press release, the meeting sought to improve
coordination between various Church institutions in order to
improve the lives of people suffering in the region.
Pope Francis expressed his support for this goal in his video
message.
"Every effort—be it small or great—carried out to promote the
path of peace," he said, "is like adding a brick to the
structure of a just society, which is open and welcoming, and
where everyone can find a place to dwell in peace."
The Pope added that he often thinks about those from the Middle
East who have been forced to flee their homes due to the horrors
of war.
He especially lamented the plight of so many Christians who fled
the place of their birth, where their faith first blossomed.
"We must work to ensure that the Christian presence in these
lands continue to be what it has always been: a sign of peace,
progress, development, and reconciliation between peoples," he
said, according to Vatican News.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
