Vatican City, Sep 17, 2016 / 04:03 am
In a world marked by increasing war and conflict, Pope Francis said a generous and merciful response to those fleeing violence is needed in order to combat hatred and foster a greater sense of fraternity and solidarity.
"At this place and time in history, there is great need for men and women who hear the cry of the poor and respond with mercy and generosity," the Pope told a group of Jesuit alumni Sept. 17.
He noted how there are "tragically more than 65 million" forcibly displaced persons around the globe, calling the number "unprecedented" and "beyond all imagination."
"The displaced population of today's world is now larger than the entire population of Italy," he said, but cautioned that beyond the statistics, each refugee is no different from our own families, and has "an inalienable right to live in peace and to aspire to a better future for their sons and daughters."