In a poignant gathering at St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis presided over a "Moment of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees," emphasizing the call to be compassionate neighbors to those in need. The event, organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, featured the participation of refugees from Cameroon, Ukraine, and El Salvador.
The vigil took place against the backdrop of the striking "Angels Unawares" monument, a life-size sculpture representing migrants and refugees from diverse cultural backgrounds and historical periods.
During the prayer vigil, Pope Francis shared reflections and observed a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives on perilous migration routes. He drew parallels between the parable of the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke and the contemporary challenges faced by migrants and refugees.
The Pope stressed the dangers faced by modern-day travelers, who endure treacherous journeys through deserts, forests, and seas, often falling prey to unscrupulous traffickers. He noted that many face the harrowing risks of kidnappings, exploitation, torture, and even rape, with some not surviving the journey to their intended destination.
Pope Francis lamented that even today, people are fleeing from war and terrorism, highlighting the urgent need for global solidarity.
Referencing the Good Samaritan's compassionate actions, the Pope emphasized that individuals should strive to be neighbors to modern wayfarers, saving lives, healing wounds, and alleviating pain. He acknowledged that for some, this assistance comes too late, leaving only the sorrow of unmarked graves. However, he stressed that the Lord knows each face and does not forget.
The Pope emphasized the four key verbs that marked the Good Samaritan's service: welcome, protect, promote, and integrate. He urged that compassion should extend into long-term responsibility, as seen in the Good Samaritan's return to ensure the victim's full recovery.
Furthermore, Pope Francis called for efforts to make migration routes safer and to counter criminal networks exploiting the hopes of migrants. He emphasized the importance of expanding regular migration channels and aligning demographic and economic policies with migration policies.
In conclusion, the Pope underlined the need to prioritize the most vulnerable and develop common and responsible approaches to managing increasing migration flows in the years to come. He encouraged all to draw close to migrants and refugees, quoting, "anyone who is neither a robber nor a passer-by is either injured himself or bearing an injured person on his shoulders." Pope Francis believes that through these actions, societies can grow to be more inclusive, beautiful, and peaceful.