Vatican City, Jun 12, 2017 / 23:04 pm
Pope Francis sent a letter last week to the Latin American Parliament as they discuss migration in the region, encouraging governments to protect all who reside in their territory regardless of their origin.
"As members of a large family, we must work to place the 'person' at the centre; this is not a mere number or an abstract entity but a brother or sister who needs our help and a friendly hand," the Pope wrote in his June 7 letter to the Latin American Parliament, which is holding its 33rd General Assembly.
The assembly of representatives from 23 Latin American and Caribbean countries is meeting to discuss migration in the region and international responses.
Francis offered his congratulations to the parliament "on this initiative that aims to help and make life more dignified for those who, having a homeland, regrettably do not find in their countries adequate conditions of security and subsistence" and are forced to flee.