Pope Francis: appeal at Audience for refugees

Pope Francis: appeal at Audience for refugees

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has renewed his call on the international community to take effective action on behalf of refugees. In remarks to pilgrims and tourists gathered for his weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Pope Francis said, “We pray for the many brothers and sisters who seek refuge far from their native lands, who seek a home where they can live without fear: that they might always be respected in their dignity.”

The Holy Father made his appeal ahead of the UN-sponsored World Refugee Day, marked each year on June 20^th. “I Encourage the work of those who bring help to those in need,” said Pope Francis.

The Holy Father concluded saying, “It is my hope that the international community should act in a fitting and effective way to prevent the causes of forced migration.”

Please find Vatican Radio's English translation of the full text of the Holy Father's appeal, below

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This coming Saturday [June 20, 2015] marks World Refugee Day, promoted by the United Nations. We pray for the many brothers and sisters who seek refuge far from their native lands, who seek a home where they can live without fear: that they might always be respected in their dignity. I encourage the work of those who bring help to those in need, and it is my hope that the international community should act in a fitting and effective way to prevent the causes of forced migration.

And I invite everyone to ask forgiveness for those persons and institutions that close the doors on these people who are searching for family, that are searching for safety.

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