Pope Francis: “the ‘stranger’ is often the immigrant in our midst”

Continuing his series of addresses on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, Pope Francis devoted his October 26 general audience to welcoming the stranger and clothing the naked.

The Pope told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square that “Jesus mentions both of these in connection with the Last Judgment (cf. Mt 25:35-36).”

“Nowadays, the ‘stranger’ is often the immigrant in our midst,” the Pope continued, the words of the official English-language synthesis of his remarks. “In every age, the phenomenon of immigration calls for a response of openness and solidarity.”

“In our own day, the growing influx of refugees fleeing war, famine and dire poverty is a summons to welcome and care for these brothers and sisters,” he added. “Like so many committed Christians who have gone before us, such as Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, we need to find generous and creative ways of meeting their immediate needs.”

The Pope also said:

So too, “clothing the naked” increasingly means caring for those whose dignity has been stripped from them, and working to ensure that it is upheld and safeguarded. As followers of Christ, may we never close our hearts to those in need. For by openness to others, our lives are enriched, our societies enjoy peace and all people can live in a way befitting their God-given dignity.