After praying the Angelus, Pope Francis expressed his deep concern over the worsening migration crisis in Europe and the plight of migrants and refugees.
POPE FRANCIS
'Those who died in the English Channel, those who are in Belarus, many of whom are children, those drowning in the Mediterranean. It is very painful to think of them. Of those who are sent back to North Africa, captured by traffickers.'
He called on the international community to work to find solutions to the crisis that treat migrants with dignity.
POPE FRANCIS
'I renew my call to those who can contribute to resolving these problems, in particular to the civil and military authorities, so that understanding and dialogue may finally prevail over any kind of exploitation, and that they direct their will and efforts towards solutions that respect the humanity of these people.'
The Pope was deeply moved by the migration crisis, and did not address any other issue before the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square. After his remarks he asked those present to pray for the situation of migrants.
POPE FRANCIS
'Let us think of the migrants, of their sufferings, and let us pray in silence...'
Pilgrims from around the world prayed with Pope Francis. The square was made up of pilgrims from Poland, Colombia, Brazil, Portugal, and even from East Timor, in Southeast Asia.
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