“The effort must not fall only on the shoulders of some countries like Italy”. Pope Francis intervened in an emergency migrants with words intended to stimulate thought and to deny a certain anti-Italian rhetoric. On the return flight from his apostolic journey to Bahrain, Bergoglio did not hesitate to raise and invite the sensitive issue of hospitality Europe do their part once and for all. “The European Union must adopt a policy of cooperation and assistance,” said the Pope, acknowledging the Meloni government’s commitment to helping refugees in need.
The Pope’s Words on Italy
“The policy of the countries, for now, has been to save the victims and this government is pursuing the same policy. I don’t know but she’s landed kids and wives from what I’ve heard in the last few hours, or at least the intent was there,” he said. Pope Francis then added: “Italy and this government, or even a left-wing government, cannot do anything without the agreement at European level and the European responsibility“. The Holy Father then reiterated that in his opinion “lives must be saved at sea”, and lamented what the Mediterranean is like now”.a graveyard“But the issue must not only be a humanitarian one, but also a political one. “Each EU government must agree on how many migrants it can accept,” explained Bergoglio, recalling that there are currently four countries that accept them : Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain”. He then also named Poland and Belarus as hospitable nations “inland”.
“The EU cannot leave Italy alone”
“The principle that applies to migrants is that they must be welcomed, accompanied, supported and taken in integrated. If these steps cannot be taken, it is not positive,” declared the Pope, hoping that migrant policies will be agreed between countries, as Italy has been asking for for some time, cooperation and assistance. He cannot leave Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain to welcome all the migrants arriving on the beaches,” the Holy Father also added press conference detained on the flight that was supposed to bring him back to Italy after the three days in Barhein.
Meloni government, Pope Francis: “I wish the best”
Invited by reporters to comment on the new Meloni governmentsaid Bergoglio: “I wish the best, for the good of Italy. I always wish the best in a government because the government is there for everyone and I wish it the best so that it can move Italy forward.” At the same time, the Pope added a reminder of the responsibilities of the various political forces.” Many too fallen governments‘ he commented. Then the “blessing” to the new Prime Minister: “It’s a challenge”.
Meloni thanks the Pope
On the political front, Francis’ words were met with approval by the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with reference to the considerations on immigration. “We always listen with great attention to the words of the Holy Father, which are an everlasting warning wisdom and for charity. And we thank him warmly for his encouragement and above all for his invitation to the national unity and internationally. The great challenges we face can only be met if we unite the efforts of all men and women of goodwill,” the prime minister said in a statement.
Salvini: “Wisdoms about migrants”
Before that he was Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini to thank the Pope as follows: “Thanks to the Holy Father for his words of great wisdom. Italy cannot be left alone and cannot accommodate everyone,” said the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.