World leaders need to continue their compassion toward migrants despite concerns of national security, Pope Francis said Monday. Speaking in his annual address to the diplomatic corps of the Holy See, Francis argued it’s possible for European countries to accept migrants without sacrificing their national security or culture, saying that global leaders must “overcome the inevitable fears associated with this massive and formidable phenomenon.”
The pope went on to argue that the recent, massive influx of migrants from primarily Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq to European countries “seems to be undermining the foundations of that ‘humanistic spirit’ which Europe has always loved and defended.” The pontiff is likely referencing recent concerns brought by the European Union regarding the massive influx of migrants to European countries and the possible affect of this inflow on the security of member nations. FULL REPORT
