(LibertySociety.com) – Pope Francis recently spoke out against stricter immigration laws, calling for easier ways for migrants to cross borders. During his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, the Pope said that instead of more restrictive laws and militarized borders, the world needs better, safer pathways for migration. He also stressed the need for global cooperation on immigration, rooted in justice and solidarity.
Francis was clear in his message: turning away migrants is a grave sin. He emphasized that God is with the migrants, sharing in their suffering, and not with those who refuse them entry. The Pope praised humanitarian organizations that help migrants, comparing them to the Good Samaritan. He condemned what he called a culture of indifference, saying that it’s this lack of care that “kills migrants.”
In the Pope’s view, supporting migrants is a moral obligation, and he even questioned his audience: “Do you pray for migrants?” He added that some people want to chase them away, which he believes is wrong.
However, not all church leaders agree with Francis. Several African cardinals have voiced concerns over mass migration, arguing that it harms their home countries. Nigerian Cardinal John Onaiyekan has spoken out against the large number of Nigerians leaving for Europe, particularly women who end up in prostitution. He said he feels ashamed seeing young Nigerian women on the streets of Italy. According to reports, many of these women are forced into prostitution after being lured to Europe with promises of honest work.
Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah also criticized the Church’s support for migration, calling it a “false interpretation” of the Bible. He believes it’s better to help people improve their lives in their home countries than to encourage them to migrate to Europe, where many struggle to find work or dignity.
These African leaders argue that migration is not always the solution, and that helping people thrive in their own countries is a better path forward.
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