Pope Francis: Open doors to refugees
In light of the massive refugee crisis in Europe, Pope Francis announced Sunday, September 6, 2015, that he will give temporary housing in the Vatican to at least two refugee families and asked that every European parish, monastery, and shrine do the same.
The Holy Father said the two parish churches contained within the walls of the Vatican city-state, St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Anne’s, will welcome at least one refugee family each.
“Faced with the tragedy of tens of thousands of refugees fleeing war, death, and hunger, who are on their way toward life’s hope, the Gospel calls us to be near to the smallest and abandoned,” the Pope Francis said.
Francis’ announcement came in remarks to pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly Angelus prayer.
View video clip here
Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2024
Pope on Holocaust Remembrance Day: Hatred and Violence Deny Our Humanity
Pope: 'May Weapons Fall Silent, Situation in Gaza Is Desperate'
Pope Prays for Peace in Israel and Palestine: ‘Every War Is a Defeat!’
Pope to New Cardinals: Work for 'an Ever More Symphonic and Synodal Church'
Pope Francis: Libya Needs Our Solidarity
Pope: Blessed Ulma Family a Model of Christian Care For Others