The Holy Father Pope Francis slams the rejection of refugees

Pope Francis has criticized the “rejection” of refugees by the countries that could offer help, as European countries have been acting to stop an unprecedented inflow of refugees. “The Easter message of the risen Christ... invites us not to forget those men and women seeking a better future, an ever more numerous throng of migrants and refugees... fleeing from war, hunger, poverty and social injustice,” the Pope said in his Easter message on Sunday. “All too often, these brothers and sisters of ours meet along the way with death or, in any event, rejection by those who could offer them welcome and assistance,” the Holy Father added.

Pope Francis has frequently urged the international community to fight xenophobia and open doors to refugees. His latest remarks come as Europe has been witnessing an unprecedented influx of refugees who are fleeing conflict-ridden zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria. Last year, more than a million refugees entered Europe. Many blame the interventionist and hegemonic policies of Western powers and their regional allies for the spread of violence in the region.