|
|
 |
|
CNS Story:
|
POPE-MIGRANTS Jan-16-2006 (340 words) With photo. xxxi
Pope asks Christians to end discrimination against migrants
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI called on Christians to shun all forms of discrimination and welcome the migrants in their midst.
Marking the Vatican's celebration of World Day for Migrants and Refugees Jan. 15, the pope called on people to recognize the benefits of migration and overcome "every form of discrimination, injustice and disdain for the human person, because each person is an image of God."
Addressing visitors in St. Peter's Square after reciting the midday Angelus prayer, the pope said the movement of people is a "sign of the times."
While the movement may be voluntary or forced, legal or clandestine, motivated by work or study, Pope Benedict said, the arrival of newcomers from far away can lead to a knowledge of and respect for ethnic and cultural differences.
Pope Benedict expressed hope that Catholics would help their communities overcome "difficulties of acceptance and integration" as they welcome migrants and refugees.
In his main Angelus talk, Pope Benedict focused on the Sunday Gospel reading in which Jesus invites Andrew and John to follow him, telling them, "Come and see."
The pope said Jesus' words offer guidance for the new year, which should be "a time in which we renew our spiritual journey with Jesus in the joy of seeking him and finding him always."
"The truest joy" people can have comes from meeting, following, knowing and loving Jesus, the pope said.
A constantly renewed effort to know and love Jesus more deeply is necessary not because Jesus changes -- "Christ is the same yesterday, today and always" -- but because "we, our world and history are never the same," he said
Greeting various groups at the end of the Angelus address, Pope Benedict offered words of encouragement to Catholic schools in Rome.
He urged school officials, teachers, parents and students "to continue the commitment to holistic education, which works to unite quality instruction and the Christian understanding of the person and of society."
END
Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250
|
|
|
|
