Although migration has existed since the dawn of humanity, it has now become "an emergency", Pope Benedict said yesterday. In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Benedict also encouraged politicians to tackle the problem of illegal immigration humanely and urged the migrants' homelands to wipe out the criminal groups profiting from those seeking a better life, The International Herald Tribune reports.
But migration has now become "an emergency," the pope said, noting that many boat people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe from Africa.
The problem "requires effective political responses", the Pope said.
"A sense of responsibility must also be shown by the countries of origin, not only because their citizens are involved, but also to remove the causes of irregular migration, as well as to eradicate, at the roots, all forms of criminality linked to it," he said.
The Pope also referred to an accident last week in which some 70 Africa migrants went missing and were believed killed in the central Mediterranean when their rubber boat capsized, AsiaNews adds.
"In these last few weeks," the Pope said, "news coverage of irregular immigration from Africa shows a rise. Often crossing the Mediterranean to the European continent, seen as a place of hope where one can flee bad and often unbearable situations, turns into tragedy.
"The one that occurred just a few days ago appears to have surpassed previous ones in terms of the number of victims."
"The emergency which (migration) has now become calls for our attention, and whilst it spurs our solidarity, it also requires a proper political response.
"I know that many at the regional, national and international levels are involved in finding a solution to the issue of irregular migration. I applaud and encourage them so that they might continue in their worthy action responsibly and in a humanitarian spirit.
"Migrants' countries of origin must also show a sense of responsibility, not only because the people involved are their citizens but also because they must work to remove the causes of irregular migration as well as suppress at the roots all connected forms of criminal activity.
"For their part European countries, or at least countries of immigration, must develop joint initiatives and build joint structures that are more appropriate to the needs of irregular migrants.
"The latter must also be made aware of the value of their lives, a commodity that is always precious and unique and which must be protected against the great risks incurred in trying to improve one's lot; they must also be reminded of their obligation to respect the law.
"As everyone's Father I feel the profound duty to call upon everyone to become aware of the problem and ask for the generous cooperation of individuals and institutions in facing it and in finding solutions. May the Lord accompany us and make our efforts fruitful!" the Pope concluded.
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(Source: AN)