Pope Urges Reform on Undocumented Migration

Pope Benedict spoke yesterday on the need for countries to deal compassionately on the issue of undocumented immigration. The Voice of America reports:

Pope Benedict spoke of the emergency of illegal immigration just days after more than 70 migrants were reported missing off the coast of Malta.  It is the latest tragedy at sea of desperate people attempting the crossing from the African coastline in search of a better life.

The pope urged European countries and those that are destination counties for immigrants to study and develop initiatives and structures that respond more adequately to the needs of illegal immigrants.

Migration, the pope said, is a phenomenon that has existed from the dawn of humanity.

Addressing the faithful gathered at the papal summer residence in Castelgandolfo, he added that the emergency that illegal immigration has become in our times requires solidarity and at the same time effective political responses.

The pope said that a sense of responsibility must also be shown by the countries of origin, not only because their citizens are involved, but also to remove the causes of irregular migration. Click here for the piece.

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