Within the framework of Pope Francis’ apostolic trip to Marseille, which will take place between September 22 and 23, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, has stated that this visit represents an “opportunity to promote hope” about the complex migration situation in the Mediterranean.
“In the Mediterranean, the predominant debate at the moment is related to the migration issue, where what is evident, beyond the difficulties, is precisely the need to address the problems jointly and with a vision of the future, not “only as emergencies of the moment, which each one tries to address following their particular interests,” Cardinal Parolin told Vatican News on 21 September.
The Cardinal stressed the importance of sincere dialogue to resolve the issue of migrants, especially in a world that has difficulties recognizing and caring for those in need. He added that this dialogue “is not a useful tool to affirm one’s own positions, but rather an open way to find shared solutions,” and pointed out that migrants should not be seen as numbers, but as faces.
For Cardinal Parolin, above any legitimate demand in relation to the “drama of migrants”, human dignity must prevail. And the migration issue “is a complex phenomenon, which does not have simple and immediate solutions”, but which must be faced with “unified actions” that guarantee reception, peace and stability.
Likewise, he stressed the need for politicians to convert, to avoid decisions that lead to wars, violence and poverty, which are the cause of so many people leaving their countries.
In this context, he considers that “positive policies, investments and social projects aimed at building a culture of love and a fraternal society are required, in which people are not forced to flee, but can live in peace, security and prosperity”.
Regarding the recent migration crisis in Lampedusa, Cardinal Parolin asked the island’s inhabitants to continue their acts of love towards “the least of these.” “Christ is present in our attempts to love and care for the little ones, and in every act of generosity we encounter Him and experience His presence,” he noted.
On the other hand, he recalled that “the people and organizations that are responsible for caring for migrants cannot be left alone,” emphasizing that “solidarity at the national and international level” is needed. He also reported that an action plan is being developed at the political level in Europe to respond to this situation.
“There are models that can ensure that migration occurs in a safe, orderly and regular manner. “So we are all called to go beyond rhetoric and adopt effective policies that avoid overloading the immigrant reception system and support the work of people on the ground,” said the Secretary of State.
Finally, regarding Pope Francis’ trip to Marseille for the closing of the meeting whose title is “Mosaic of Hope”, Cardinal Parolin stated that the Holy Father will seek precisely to “awaken hope” in such a difficult time for the Mediterranean, where “intolerance” and “indifference”.
He added that it will not only be positive for resolving the migration situation, but also for “the challenges of peace, climate change and the fight against hunger.”
“The Marseille meeting represents, through the joint work of ecclesial and civil leaders, an opportunity to promote hope in a concrete way,” he concluded.