The United Nations refugee agency has welcomed the solidarity of Pope Francis with the world's refugees and migrants when he visited them in the Greek island of Lesbos on Saturday April 16 and offered a home to three Syrian families, bringing them along with him to Rome.
"The Pope's latest gesture is a powerful demonstration of solidarity. It must inspire governments and societies in a world where the desperate plight of record numbers of forcibly displaced is too often met by barriers, rejection and fear," said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The 12 Syrians included three couples and six children aged four to 14 years. Two families are from the capital, Damascus, and one from the city of Deir ez-Zor.
War, conflict and persecution have forced around 60 million people worldwide to run for their lives, the largest number since World War II. Nearly 20 million of these are refugees and more than half are children. The conflict in Syria is the main driver of this global crisis, forcing more than 4.8 million Syrians to become refugees in its neighbouring countries alone, with more seeking safety further afield.
Source: ICN Independent Catholic News - April 19, 2016
Mission Intention for June
That seminarians and men and women entering religious life may have mentors who live the joy of the
Gospel and prepare them wisely for their mission.
Read more from The Far East, June 2016