For the Pope, development is a response to forced migration – Vatican News

Since its creation in 1972, in coherence with the Gospel and the social doctrine of the Church, this federation, made up of 90 organizations operating in more than 80 countries, offers “a valuable contribution” to the fight against all forms of poverty and marginalization, to the protection of human dignity, to the affirmation of human rights and to the promotion of the growth of local communities and institutions, the Holy Father immediately praised , calling its volunteers “weavers of peace” and “of artisans of charity and development“.

“A small daily piece to the mosaic of brotherhood”

“You are a beautiful sign of the Mother Church generating hope in a world clinging to the scandals of hunger and wars. Your testimony is a concrete response to those who no longer believe in a possible peace. With your commitment, you show that every little daily piece can build the great mosaic of brotherhood“, he continued.

The Pope encouraged them to build this “world of solidarity“, in which “everyone feels welcome and is not forced to give up on their dreams“, When “the shadow of a third world war hangs over the destiny of entire nations”. The Holy Father, thinking in particular of the elderly, women and children, called: “What future are we building for the new generations?” A question which, according to him, should always accompany the decisions taken at the international level.

A predisposition of mind to meet one’s neighbor

The Sovereign Pontiff then shared three points of reflection. First on the meaning of being “voluntary” today. “It is a decisive and courageous signal of openness, of availability towards one’s neighbour, near or far. Because looking beyond borders becomes a predisposition of the spirit to meet its neighbour, a testimony of love for humanity”. replied the Pope.

“All brothers in humanity and in love”, he abounded, referring to a second objective concerning peace.

Peace trampled in Ukraine

Peace is wounded, trampled on in Ukraine and in many other places on the planet, Francis lamented. When peace is lacking, when “reasons” force prevails, people suffer, families are torn apart, the most fragile are left alone. “Peace in justice is a necessary condition for a dignified life, to build a better future together“, he hammered to the volunteers.

“The world does not need empty words, but convinced witnesses, peacemakers open to dialogue without exclusion or manipulation” (Message for the 53rd World Day of Peace on January 1, 2020).

Development, a solution to migration issues

The third objective involves development. Each person, each people needs the basic conditions for a dignified life: with peace, housing, health care, education, work, dialogue and mutual respect between cultures and beliefs. “Human promotion remains a commitment to which we must dedicate ourselves with alacrity, vigor, creativity and with adequate instruments.», reaffirmed François, pleading for an integral development – of the person and the context in which he lives -.

“Think of the number of young people who today are forced to leave their homeland in search of a dignified existence; to the number of men, women and children who face inhuman journeys and violence of all kinds, in search of a better tomorrow; among those who continue to die on the roads of despair, while their fate is discussed or diverted!” launched the Sovereign Pontiff, referring to forced migration – to escape wars, hunger, persecution or climate change – as one “great evils of our time. This “evil (cannot be) fought at the rootthan by ensuring real development in each country.