Pope Francis Urges Respect for Refugees and Immigrants

Pope Francis on Sunday called on all those nations that receive a large influx of immigrants and refugees to maintain a cordial and hospitable treatment for those who are arriving in their countries.

During the fourth annual edition of the World Day of Migrants ceremony in the Vatican, the Supreme Pontiff stressed that local citizens should consider that those who emigrate, come to their nations with the premise of a better future and also with the fear of being rejected and of failure.

RELATED:
 Pope Meeting Sex Abuse Victims in Chile, Peru 'Not Impossible'

"The sin is to let those fears determine our response, condition decisions, compromise respect and generosity, feed hatred and rejection," he said.

On the other hand, he also stated that refugees should integrate themselves not only via citizenship but also with the laws, traditions and cultures that already exist in each country, as a form of respect.

"It is not easy to enter into the culture of others, to put ourselves in the place of people so different from us, to understand their thoughts and experiences," said Francisco during the commemorative ceremony held by the Catholic Church since 1914.

The annual celebration was attended by more than 200 Hindu immigrants, 800 Romanians, 450 Indians converted to the Catholic religion, 50 Lebanese Maronites, 2,000 Filipinos and hundreds of immigrants of different religious doctrines.