"The Church is present at the Social Forum to raise its voice, to show its presence by the side of the poor. One cannot be missing in an open space in which people reflect on the future of European society". This was said today by mgr. Antonio Varthalitis, president of the Greek branch of Caritas and emeritus bishop of Corfu, as he welcomed to Athens the many Caritas delegations coming from several European countries to take part in the European Social Forum, which opens tonight with a great opening party in Kotzia Square, expected to be attended by dozens of thousands of people. The Caritas network has also taken part in regional and international forums since 2002, but for the very first time the Italian Caritas too will plan a number of events, such as a workshop about "wars and media" and other conferences about poverty in Europe, trafficking, the Romany, the Balkan situation. Mgr. Varthalitis sees the Social Forum as "a place where we can try to build peace and fraternity among peoples" and said harsh words against "a Europe that has closed its frontiers to so many poor people who come to us in search of a better life. This is not respect for the humanity and dignity of man".
