Pope Francis says migrants around the world are subjected to “racist and xenophobic attitudes” and he wants the tens of thousands of Central American children crossing the border into the United States to be “welcomed and protected.”
In a letter Monday to a Vatican conference in Mexico City on human migration and development, the pontiff said that immigration has become a hallmark of modern society. “Many people forced to emigrate suffer, and often, die tragically,” Francis said, according to a Vatican Radio translation. “Many of their rights are violated. They are obliged to separate from their families and, unfortunately, continue to be the subject of racist and xenophobic attitudes.” The pope drew special attention to the crisis on the U.S. border. He said that not only must the children be welcomed but the world must also promote development in their home countries.
IN-DEPTH
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