“The regularisation of the sans-papier is first and foremost a political matter. As such, it demands a response” from "our politicians", but "it is also a human tragedy that, as such, concerns all of us”. This was stated by the bishops of Belgium in a release sent out at the end of the press conference that took place today, in the early afternoon, at the archbishop’s palace in Malines, to illustrate the position of the Belgian Catholic Church on the state of people "who have been residing for years in the country and are socially integrated”, but still do not have a residence permit, who have been protesting lately also by occupying the churches. “The bishops reads the release take position on the issue as the leaders of the Catholic Church, in full respect of the separation between the Church and the State. This does not prevent them from asking politicians" to "do all they can to find a political solution to this human tragedy”. Although they are aware "this file is all but easy to handle", the bishops state they cannot "hide themselves in silence or, even worse, in indifference”. (to be continued)
