Pope Francis, Patr. Bartholomew, ABP Ieronymos sign
joint declaration in Lesbos
(Vatican Radio) Pope
Francis, along with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Archbishop Ieronymos
of Athens and All Greece, released a joint declaration during their visit to
the Greek island of Lesbos on Saturday.
The three leaders signed the
joint declaration at the end of their visit to theMoria refugee camp.
The declaration calls on the
international community to respond with generosity and compassion to the
tragedy of forced migration, calling it a 'crisis of humanity'.
In the face of this crisis,
the church leaders restated their desire to work toward the unity of all
Christians. "For our part, in obedience to the will of our Lord Jesus
Christ, we firmly and wholeheartedly resolve to intensify our efforts to
promote the full unity of all Christians... By defending the fundamental human
rights of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants, and the many marginalized
people in our societies, we aim to fulfil the Churches’ mission of service to
the world."
In conclusion, the
declaration urges the international community to "make the protection of
human lives a priority and, at every level, to support inclusive policies which
extend to all religious communities".
The official English
translation of the Joint Declaration is below:
JOINT DECLARATION
We, Pope Francis, Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, have
met on the Greek island of Lesvos to demonstrate our profound concern for the
tragic situation of the numerous refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who have
come to Europe fleeing from situations of conflict and, in many cases, daily
threats to their survival. World opinion cannot ignore the colossal
humanitarian crisis created by the spread of violence and armed conflict, the
persecution and displacement of religious and ethnic minorities, and the
uprooting of families from their homes, in violation of their human dignity and
their fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The tragedy of forced
migration and displacement affects millions, and is fundamentally a crisis of
humanity, calling for a response of solidarity, compassion, generosity and an
immediate practical commitment of resources. From Lesvos, we appeal
to the international community to respond with courage in facing this massive
humanitarian crisis and its underlying causes, through diplomatic, political
and charitable initiatives, and through cooperative efforts, both in the Middle
East and in Europe.
As leaders of our respective
Churches, we are one in our desire for peace and in our readiness to promote
the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and reconciliation. While
acknowledging the efforts already being made to provide help and care to
refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, we call upon all political leaders to
employ every means to ensure that individuals and communities, including
Christians, remain in their homelands and enjoy the fundamental right to live
in peace and security. A broader international consensus and an assistance
programme are urgently needed to uphold the rule of law, to defend fundamental
human rights in this unsustainable situation, to protect minorities, to combat
human trafficking and smuggling, to eliminate unsafe routes, such as those
through the Aegean and the entire Mediterranean, and to develop safe resettlement
procedures. In this way we will be able to assist those countries directly
engaged in meeting the needs of so many of our suffering brothers and
sisters. In particular, we express our solidarity with the people of
Greece, who despite their own economic difficulties, have responded with
generosity to this crisis.
Together we solemnly plead
for an end to war and violence in the Middle East, a just and lasting peace and
the honourable return of those forced to abandon their homes. We ask
religious communities to increase their efforts to receive, assist and protect
refugees of all faiths, and that religious and civil relief services work to
coordinate their initiatives. For as long as the need exists, we urge all
countries to extend temporary asylum, to offer refugee status to those who are
eligible, to expand their relief efforts and to work with all men and women of
good will for a prompt end to the conflicts in course.
Europe today faces one of its
most serious humanitarian crises since the end of the Second World War.
To meet this grave challenge, we appeal to all followers of Christ to be
mindful of the Lord’s words, on which we will one day be judged: «For I was
hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger
and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited
me; I was in prison and you came to me… Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as
you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me» (Mt
25:35-36, 40).
For our part, in obedience to
the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, we firmly and wholeheartedly resolve to
intensify our efforts to promote the full unity of all Christians. We
reaffirm our conviction that «reconciliation [among Christians] involves promoting
social justice within and among all peoples… Together we will do our part
towards giving migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers a humane reception in
Europe» (Charta Oecumenica, 2001). By defending the fundamental human
rights of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants, and the many marginalized
people in our societies, we aim to fulfil the Churches’ mission of service to
the world.
Our meeting today is meant to
help bring courage and hope to those seeking refuge and to all those who
welcome and assist them. We urge the international community to make the
protection of human lives a priority and, at every level, to support inclusive
policies which extend to all religious communities. The terrible
situation of all those affected by the present humanitarian crisis, including
so many of our Christian brothers and sisters, calls for our constant prayer.
Lesvos, 16 April 2016
Ieronymos
II
Francis
Bartholomew I
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