Pope Francis: Gypsies “have a lot to contribute to the Church and society”

Pope Francis sent a message to gypsies on the occasion of their six centuries of presence in Spain and stated that “they have a lot to contribute to the Church and society,” such as their values ​​around family.

“In 2025 we commemorate the 600 years of your presence in Spain,” says the Pope at the beginning of his message, signed on January 9.

January 12, 1425 is considered the date of entry of the gypsies into the Iberian Peninsula. following the safe conduct that King Alfonso V the Magnanimous granted to the gypsy Juan, count of Egypt Minor, so that he could circulate and cross the kingdom of Aragon on his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

According to the Spanish Ministry of Culture, this would have been the beginning of a migratory wave of gypsies from central Europe. Another migration would enter at the end of the 15th century through the Mediterranean.

In your messagethe Pontiff said that although the history of gypsies “has been marked by misunderstanding, rejection and marginalization,” also in the hardest moments “they have discovered the closeness of God.”

“God is a pilgrim in history with humanity and has become a nomad with the gypsy people. “El Niño Manuel—as they call God with us—was also born in Bethlehem under the sign of persecution and itinerancy,” he said.

Then, Pope Francis highlighted the efforts of the Catholic Church and Spanish society “to embark on a new path towards respectful inclusion” that has borne fruit, but that there are still “prejudices to overcome and painful situations to face.”

The Pontiff also reiterated to the gypsies that they are “children of the Church” and that they have much to contribute to it and to society, such as their values ​​represented in “the appreciation of the elderly and the sense of family,” the care of creation, its “ability to maintain joy and have a party even if there are dark clouds on the horizon; the meaning of work—so often misunderstood—as a means to live and not so much to accumulate.”

“Many of the values ​​that identify them as a people are not only evangelical, but also prophetic and countercultural at this time,” he stated.

In that sense, he mentioned the fruits of holiness of the gypsy people, represented by Blessed Emilia Fernández Rodríguez, the basket weaver; and the Blessed Ceferino Giménez MallaUncle Pelé.

Pope Francis said that although they did not intend it, the two “were and continue to be teachers of faith and life for gypsies and payos, like so many humble people who open their smallness with confidence to the greatness of God.”

“By unraveling the mysteries of the Rosary,” he added, “both blesseds remind us of the importance of prayer, of the encounter with God, a source of joy, fraternity, hope and charity. “Both of them risked and lost their lives for the love of God and seeking the good of other people: Uncle Pelé for defending an unjustly detained priest, the canastera for protecting her catechists.”

The Pontiff noted that the two “were humble and brave missionaries: Ceferino was a catechist for a group of children, whom he met on the outskirts of the city of Barbastro, and Emilia transmitted her faith even to her fellow prisoners in Almería.”

“Ceferino, finally, stands out as a model of fraternity because, in a society as polarized as that of his time, he knew how to sow concord and solidarity among his people, also mediating in the conflicts that have sometimes clouded relations between payos and gypsies,” express.

Pope Francis concluded his message by inviting the Spanish gypsies to “continue making the journey,” offering the best of themselves and transmitting the tenderness of God.

“It is time to announce, with the strength of the Lord Jesus, ‘the personal love of God who became man, gave himself for us and is alive offering his salvation and his friendship,’” he said.