Pope Francis: Inflight press conference
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| Pope Francis responds to reporters' questions during an inflight press conference during his return trip from Colombia.- REUTERS |
(Vatican Radio) His now traditional inflight press
conference was cut short by turbulence, but Pope Francis managed
to answer numerous questions on current issues, including climate
change, immigration, and the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.
The first questions were asked by Colombian reporters,
regarding the Apostolic Visit. Asked what concrete steps Colombians can take to
overcome the divisions and hatred caused by decades of civil war, Pope Francis
responded that he would like to see Colombians take as a motto “Let’s take the
second step” – a reference to the motto of the Visit, “Let’s take the first
step.” The “sins” that occurred during years of conflict causes souls to become
sick – but this illness is not culpable; it is caused by “ugly sins.” But there
are nonetheless steps toward peace.
CORRUPTION
Pope Francis was asked about corruption, which
can be even more devastating to a country than outright violence. The Holy
Father noted that he had touched on this topic numerous times. God never tires
of forgiving sin, he said, but corruption is a kind of sin with a difference:
the corrupt person tires of seeking forgiveness, and even forgets how to ask
for forgiveness. “He is not able to ask for forgiveness,” the Pope said,
and for this reason, it is very difficult to help someone who is corrupt. But,
he said, “God can do it. I pray for that.”
With regard to the peace process, Pope Francis said in
different situations many groups must be integrated. He said that the technical
or political aspects of the peace process are necessary, but they will only go
so far. If the people do not embrace peace, political steps can only go so far.
It is only when the people “take peace” in their hands, that it can end well.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The Pontiff also responded to questions about climate
change, especially with regard to politicians and others who refuse to
collaborate with other nations because they deny that climate change is caused
by humans. Pope Francis responded that such people must go to the scientists,
who speak clearly and precisely. He worried about the consequences of failing
to change our lifestyles: “If we do not turn back, we will go down,” he said.
He emphasized that everyone has a moral responsibility to respond to the “very
serious” issue of climate change, not only politicians, but each one of us. If
someone has doubts about man-made climate change, they must go to the scientists,
and then make their decisions: “And history will judge the decisions.”
US IMMIGRATION POLICY
Speaking of the recent decision by the U.S. President Donald
Trump to rescind an Obama administration immigration policy known
as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Pope Francis
said he had not read enough to express an opinion. He said, though, that
separating young people from their families is not good either for the young or
for the family. Noting that the policy was crafted by the executive branch,
rather than through the legislature, the Pope said there may be hope that it
could be considered anew. He said Trump presents himself as pro-life,
“and if he is a good pro-lifer, he understands that the family is the cradle of
life, and that he must defend the unity” (of the family). He spoke of the need
young people have of roots, and noted that he had spoken about the importance
of dialogue between young people and the elderly. “Young people need to find
their roots again,” he said. “Anything that goes against the roots,” he
continued, “steals their hope.”
Reminded that the new American policy meant young people
might be deported from the United States, Pope Francis said this would mean
losing roots; “and this is a problem.” He insisted, though, that he did not
want to express his opinion because he prefers not to speak on issues he has
not studied. But he called attention to the suffering Mexico has endured, and
called for prayer for that country.
IMMIGRATION IN EUROPE
Pope Francis was also asked about migration policy in Italy,
and responded by expressing his gratitude for Italy and Greece, which have
“opened their hearts” to migrants. But, he said, this is not enough. God
commands us to welcome migrants, but governments have a duty to face the
problem of migration with “prudence.” Migrants, he said, must not only
be welcomed, but integrated. He suggested that countries might be
only be able to accept a certain number of migrants before there is a danger of
“non-integration.” He also spoke about the humanitarian problems that
are associated with mass migration, and the need to resolve the root causes of
the immigration crisis.
VENEZUELA
Finally the Holy Father spoke about the situation in
Venezuela. “I believe that the Holy See has spoken strongly and clearly” about
the crisis, he said. The problem is a very difficult one, he continued, saying
that the biggest concern is the humanitarian crisis, “which we must help to
resolve in any case.”
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