Beyond the roots of indifference

The tragedies of migrants in the Mediterranean, a European sea until proven otherwise, call into question EU 28 societies, cultures and policies, that gained urgent relevance on October 3rd with the drowning of almost 400 migrants off the island of Lampedusa, in the “sea of death”. According to estimates by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) some 7800 migrants and asylum-seekers reached Italian coasts in the first six months of 2013. But according to the International Office of Migrations over 25 thousand people lost their lives in the Mediterranean since 1993. Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Italy: vessels packed with men and women fleeing hunger-stricken countries, devastated by armed conflicts or violations of human rights have landed on the shores of almost all of Southern Europe. The rest of the Old Continent seems to be distant from the dreadful tragedy, and the European Union, at least for the time being, is unable to offer resolutive answers. “The word that comes to mind is shameful… shameful”, said Pope Francis, upon the news of the shipwreck in Lampedusa on October 3. A short time before, on July 8, the Pope – who arrived on the island as a result of his firm will – had celebrated Mass on one of the vessels that were soon to become vessels of desperation. Knocking on the conscience of the world, on the conscience of European citizens and national and European institutions, Pope Francis also warned against “the globalization of indifference” that also involves Europe. Indifference before the faces of those living in poor Countries and of those seeking better living conditions in developed societies. Indifference before the faces of those who found death in the attempt of reaching European coasts.  Indifference before so many people who fled wars, hunger, misery, or exploitation who were betrayed by all those who in the old continent who proclaim themselves the siblings of all mankind, especially the poor. The root of indifference lies in materialism, the Pontiff said. The Holy Father spoke against “the culture of well-being, that makes us think of ourselves, that makes us insensitive to the cries of others, that makes us live in soap bubbles, that are beautiful but are nothing, are illusions of futility, of the transient, that brings indifference to others, that brings even the globalization of indifference”. How can the European Union fail to feel called into question given its foundation of  solidarity? How can it fail to realize that if this foundation crumbles under the weight of indifference, the “common home” will collapse as well? How can Northern Europe fail to assume joint responsibility before the tragedy occurring in a South-European sea? This appeal may seem out of place, but it’s the turn of European citizens and European public opinion to awaken and support national and Community institutions, so that the anguished questions coming from the Mediterranean may find answers loaded with hope and justice.To this objective the Church continues to give her specific contribution. “As a Church, we must remember that by healing the wounds of refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking, by identifying with outsiders, with those who suffer, with the innocent victims of violence and exploitation. May our Christian communities truly be places of hospitality, of listening, and communion!”It is necessary to spread ever more that very culture of hospitality, which in an exemplary way is experienced by many people, by Christian and humanitarian organizations and by the inhabitants of Lampedusa. It is a new version of the ancient works of mercy, which contributed to giving greater human and spiritual dignity to solidarity, turning it into a comprehensible word and a commitment understandable by believers and non-believers alike. This will tear the shell of indifference of wellbeing that makes this continent old, thereby asking political leaders to change their pace, so that Europe may continue writing pages of hope for itself and for all those, humiliated and beaten, who continue to knock on its doors.