"Over the last few weeks, a rise in cases of illegal immigration from Africa has appeared in the news. Not infrequently, the crossing of the Mediterranean towards the European continent, seen as a hopeful destination to escape adverse and often unbearable situations, turns into a tragedy". It was highlighted yesterday morning by the Pope, after leading the Angelus prayer from Castel Gandolfo. In particular, the Pope referred to "the one that happened a few days ago", which "seems to have surpassed the previous ones with its high number of victims". Migration, commented the Holy Father, "is a phenomenon that has existed since the dawn of the history of mankind, which therefore has always been typical of the relations between peoples and states. The emergency which it has turned into, in this day and age, however, questions us and, while it stirs our solidarity, at the same time it requires effective political responses". The Pope therefore "praises" and "encourages" the "many regional, national and international players" who "are addressing the problem of illegal migration", "that they may continue their praiseworthy work with a sense of responsibility and a humanitarian spirit". (continued)
