"Closure is not a solution" to the problems posed by the migrants,
"indeed, ultimately it is only of benefit to criminals involved in
trafficking. The only solution is that of solidarity, solidarity with
the migrant, solidarity with the foreigner. " Solidarity with those forced to leave their homeland and a commitment to "restore dignity to those who have lost", such as women victims of trafficking, were the works of mercy of which the Pope spoke today at the general audience.
Francis, continuing his illustration on the corporal works of mercy, commented on the words of Jesus: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me" (Mt 25: , 35-36). "In our times - he said - ever the work that relates to the foreigners is more timely than ever. The economic crisis, armed conflict and climate change drive many people to emigrate. However, migration is not a new phenomenon, but belong to the history of humanity. The belief that they are pertinent to our times alone reveals a lack of historical memory”.
"The Bible gives us many concrete examples of migration. Just think of Abraham, "the people of Israel and of the same Holy Family," forced to emigrate to escape the threat of Herod.
"The history of mankind is the history of migrations in all latitudes, there is no people that has not experienced the phenomenon of migration. Over the centuries we have seen to major expressions of solidarity in this regard, although there have also been social tensions. Today, the context of economic crisis unfortunately favors the emergence of attitudes of closure and not welcome. In some parts of the world walls and barriers arise. It seems sometimes that the silent work of many men and women who, in various ways, are doing their utmost to help and assist refugees and migrants is obscured by the noise of others voicing an instinctive egoism. But closure is not a solution, in fact, it ultimately benefits the criminals who are trafficking. The only solution is that of solidarity, solidarity with the migrant, solidarity with the foreigner".
"The commitment of Christians in this field is as urgent today as in the past. Just look at the past century, we remember the wonderful figure of St. Frances Cabrini, who dedicated her life together with her companions to migrants to the United States of America. Today too we need similar witness so that mercy can reach many in need. It is a commitment that involves everyone, without exception. Dioceses, parishes, institutes of consecrated life, associations and movements, as well as individual Christians, we are called to welcome the brothers and sisters fleeing war, famine, violence and inhumane living conditions. All together we are a great strength of support for those who have lost home, family, work and dignity. "
"A few days ago something happened, a little story: there was a refugee who was looking for a street and a lady approached the asking what he wanted. He had no shoes and he said he wanted to go to St. Peter’s to enter the Holy Door. The lady then called a taxi because he had no shoes. But the refugee smelled and the taxi driver did not want to take him, but eventually he took both the refugee and the lady, and she asked him to tell her story on the way. The man told his story of pain and why he fled from home. Once they arrived the lady paid the taxi and the driver, who first did not want to pick up the migrant because he smelled, refused to take the money, saying he should be the one to pay after having heard a story that made him change heart. This lady, of Armenian blood, knew what it means to be part of a people who are forced to flee. Think about this story and think about what we can do for refugees".
"And clothe the naked, what is it but to restore dignity to those who have lost it? Certainly giving clothes to those who have none; but we also think of the women victims of trafficking thrown on the streets, or of others, too many ways of using the human body as if it were a commodity, even minors. Think, too, of those who do not have a job, a house, a fair wage, this is a form of 'nakedness', or being discriminated against on grounds of race or religion, they are all forms of 'nakedness', before which as Christians we are called to be attentive, vigilant and ready to act. "
"Dear brothers and sisters, we must not fall into the trap where we shut ourselves in ourselves, indifferent to the needs of our brothers and sisters and worried only about our own interests. It is precisely to the extent that we open ourselves to others that life becomes fruitful, that society regains peace and people regain their full dignity. And do not forget that lady, the migrant who smelled and do not forget that driver whose soul was changed by the migrant".