IMAGE: CNS photo/Nikos Arvanidtis, EPA
By Carol Glatz
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Offering migrants and refugees truly
helpful and loving hospitality is the greatest guarantee against terrorism,
Pope Francis said.
The current refugee and migration crisis, with more than 65
million people forcibly displaced from their homes, has become “the
greatest humanitarian crisis after the Second World War,” he said.
“At this place and time in history, there is great need
for men and women who hear the cry of the poor and respond with mercy and
generosity,” he told graduates of Jesuit schools and universities during
an audience at the Vatican Sept. 17.
The alumni are members of the World Union and the European
Confederation of Jesuit Alumni; they were in Rome taking part in a conference
on the migration and refugee crisis.
The pope told them that with their Jesuit education and
understanding of Gospel values, they can help the church “respond more
fully to the human tragedy of refugees through acts of mercy that promote their
integration into the European context and beyond.”
“I encourage you to welcome refugees into your homes
and communities, so that their first experience of Europe is not the traumatic
experience of sleeping cold on the streets, but one of warm human
welcome,” he said.
“Remember that authentic hospitality is a profound
Gospel value that nurtures love and is our greatest security against hateful
acts of terrorism,” he added.
Too many refugee children and young people lack access to
education, he said, urging the alumni to work with the Jesuit Refugee Service
and “put your mercy in motion” to help “build a stronger Europe
and a brighter future for refugees.”
He told his audience to remember they were not alone as many
church organizations and individuals were also dedicated to helping the
marginalized and excluded.
“Remember that the love of God accompanies you in this
work. You are God’s eyes, mouth, hands and heart in this world.”
“I urge you to help
transform your communities into places of welcome where all God’s children have
the opportunity not simply to survive, but to grow, flourish and bear
fruit,” he said.
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