Posted on 04/28/2010 3:08:17 PM PDT by Alex Murphy
The Holy Father sent a telegram to European bishops gathered in Spain this week for an international conference on immigration. In his message, he urged the Catholic leaders to work to give immigrants the "firm hope" that their rights be recognized.
The Pope's message was presented by Archbishop Antonio Maria Veglio to the 8th Congress on Immigration, convened by the Council of European Bishops' Conferences in Malaga, Spain on Tuesday.
In the letter written by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone on the Holy Father's behalf, the Pope greeted and thanked all those on hand for the conference, which is taking place under the theme "Overcoming Fears and Outlining Prospects" from April 27 to May 1.
Pope Benedict encouraged the bishops to continue in their efforts to offer "adequate pastoral attention to all those who suffer the consequences of having abandoned their homeland" or those who have no country to which they refer as their place of origin.
The Pope exhorted the participants to "coordinate initiatives and plans to ensure that the light of the Gospel reaches everyone and, with it, the firm hope to see recognition for their rights and a guarantee for their possibilities to live a life dignified in all aspects."
Cardinal Bertone closed by relating the Pope's prayers for the protection of the Virgin Mary over all conference attendees and the bestowal of His apostolic blessing.
Archbishop Veglio, the president of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, gave an address to the conference on Wednesday in which he provided a theological perspective on the changes in Europe brought about by migration and mobility.
He reminded participants of the Church's role in contributing to to the edification of "a Europe with a more human face where human rights and the fundamental values of peace, justice, freedom, tolerance, participation and solidarity are protected."
No Padre!
As long as they come here legally, no problem...
What is there about the word ‘illegal’ that they can’t understand?
I see that your suspension from posting anti-Catholic articles on the religion forum is over.
Hmmmm.
Border security and immigrtion control are clearly not within the competence of the Pope, whose responsibilities include faith and morals. In any event, I am guessing that he is talking about the immigrants to Europe, for example the Turks in Germany who live and work there for generations with different treatment than Germans. I don’t read him to say that the US, the only advanced country with thousands of miles of borders with a third-world country, shouldn’t control its borders.
Who got suspended for posting anti-Catholic articles? You didn't ping me to your comments, so you couldn't have meant me.
In case you didn't notice, this is from the CNA (Catholic News Agency), known worldwide as a notorious bastion of anti-Catholic propaganda. Here's a few related threads, starting off with Cardinal Mahoney's reaction to the (then-proposed) Arizona illegal immigration laws:
Arizona's Proposed Illegal Immigration Crackdown Akin To Nazi Tactics, Cardinal Roger Mahony Says
Hispanics increasing Catholic numbers in US, but assimilation has downside
Fewer receive sacraments
Does the American Catholic Church Have a Numbers Problem?
US Catholic bishops condemn US immigration raids
Gathering calls for 'fair and humane' immigration policies [Catholic Bishops on immigration reform]
Journey to Justice: A Catholic Vision of Immigration
Catholic Church Chooses Wrong Side Again
Survey: Catholics Adapt to Culture at Cost of Committed Faith [Blacks 1/7 of the population, but only 1/25 of the Catholic Church]
GOP Senator: Immigration Bill's Fate Hangs in the Balance [SBC, Catholic Church support the bill]
Recognize Christ in every immigrant, bishop urges U.S. Catholics
Local Catholics celebrate diversity [Catholic "Immigration Mass" in Apple Valley, CA]
Putting faith in search for rights [Catholic "Immigration Mass" in Chicago, IL]
Praying for immigration reform [Catholic "Immigration Mass" in Los Angeles, CA]
Irish, Latino Catholics march for immigrant rights [Catholic "Immigration Mass" in San Francisco]
Catholics push for immigration reform [Catholic "Immigration Mass" in Raleigh, NC]
Withholding their 'amens' [Catholics object to a call for a revised immigration policy at Lent]
I did not see the article as being negative or anti-Catholic. I also did not read anything about "illegal" aliens or "undocumented" aliens. I read about "immigrants."
LEGAL IMMIGRANTS.....the Pope is not talking about ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
I don’t think that the Holy Father has a clue about the nature of the situation. He is playing into the hands of the elites who have exploited the migrants and betrayed their fellow Americans.
Who will distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants? Certainly not the USCCB?
The article itself isn’t anti-Catholic, but you can say, at the very least, that AM has a certain point in posting this.
I have to disagree with the pope on this issue. This is not a moral issue it is a legal issue and a political issue. The Catholic Church should stay out of politics. I know that many of the illegal immigrants are Catholic and the pope and bishops want to fill the pews and increase donations but comprehensive immigration reform should not include amnesty as an option.
Immigrants to the US have almost all of the rights of a citizen except for the vote.
As long as they are legal.
There is NOTHING holy about organized church sanctioned theft. Credibility is quickly dripping down the drain.
Yeah, make it easier for muslims. Just tattoo your throat, Papa: Cut Here!
In his message, he urged the Catholic leaders to work to give immigrants the "firm hope" that their rights be recognized.
What rights do they have? Are they the same rights that a Costa Rican would have attempting to enter Mexico illegally? Or the same rights that I would have attempting to enter Cuba illegally?
Just some food for thought for the Holy See.
5.56mm
Nobody?
Thought so.
On another note, did the Jamestown settlers get clearance from the INS?
I'd hate to think the early settlers were illegals.
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