The Pope launched a campaign to promote the acceptance of the asylum seeker

Leer en Español: Papa Francisco: “Comparte el camino de los migrantes”

Pope Francis has already called for the acceptance of refugees and migrants. It has been one of his most important and persistent political battles in Europe and around the world. Back in August, the leader of the Christian church affirmed that the migrants’ dignity should be prioritized over the national security of the countries.

This is why the Pope started the campaign “Share the Journey”. This campaign will try to educate people about the difficulties that the migrants have to face in order to travel to their final destination and even after. This is all in the hopes to make the people more tolerant towards immigration and refugees.

Francis urged U.S and European citizens to visit migrants, to talk to them, to known their stories, and to realize that many of the stereotypes they have are wrong. “We have to welcome them with our open arms (…) Brothers, don’t be afraid of sharing the journey. Don’t be afraid of sharing hope”, said the Catholic leader.

Caritas, a Catholic organization that promotes good causes, will support this campaign. The association will mobilize their 165 establishments around the world for 2 years to promote this “change of mind”.

The campaign starts just days after the German National Elections showed an increase in the xenophobic and anti-immigrants parties. This phenomenon, that is happening around Europe and the United States, is possibly due to figures such as Donald Trump, Nigel Farange, Marie Le Pen, among others.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio has already visited refugee camps in Greece and Italy; has invited some migrants to the traditional ceremony of the washing of the feet.

Latin American Post | Santiago Gómez Hernández 

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