VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Inilarawan ni Pope Francis ang migrants at refugees na “weakest and most needy” nitong Lunes, ginamit ang kanyang tradisyunal na mensahe sa New Year upang bigyang boses ang mga taong dapat tulungan ng mga lider ng mundo.
Ipinaalala ni Pope Francis sa 40,000 kataong nagtipon sa St. Peter’s Square sa Vatican kung bakit pinili niya ang kampanya para sa mga migrante at refugees bilang tema ng World Day of Peace ng mga Katoliko, na ipinagdiriwang tuwing Enero 1.
“For this peace, to which everyone has a right, many of them are willing to risk their lives in a journey which is often long and dangerous, they are willing to face strain and suffering.
“Please, let us not extinguish the hope in their hearts, let us not suffocate their hopes for peace!
Sa kanyang homily nitong Lunes ng umaga, sinabi ni Pope Francis na dapat bantayan ng bawat isa ang kanilang kaluluwa sa pamamagitan ng pag-alay ng sandali ng katahimikan bawat araw, “to keep our freedom from being corroded by the banality of consumerism, the blare of commercials, the stream of empty words and the overpowering waves of empty chatter and loud shouting”.
“It is important that there is a commitment from everyone, from civil institutions, and those in education, welfare and church organizations, to ensure a peaceful future for refugees, migrants, everyone,” diin ng papa sa temang “Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace” ng 51st World Day of Peace.