Pope Francis: May Luxembourg be an example of welcoming and integrating migrants and refugees

In his first speech from Luxembourg, Pope Francis asked that the country “be a help and an example in indicating the way forward for the reception and integration of migrants and refugees.”

After the welcome ceremony at Luxembourg airport, Pope Francis went to the palace to greet the Grand Duke, Henri of Luxembourg, and the Grand Duchess Maria Theresa of Luxembourg.

On the first floor of the palace, the family presentation took place and later they went to the ballroom for the signing of the Book of Honor and official photos with the grand ducal family.

Later, Pope Francis, the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess headed to the Hall of the Kings for a private meeting and the exchange of gifts.

At the same time, in the Office of Ministersa brief meeting took place between the Prime Minister, his delegation, and the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, the Apostolic Nuncio and the Secretary of the Nunciature.

After the meeting with the Vatican delegation, the Prime Minister met with Pope Francis in the Hall of the Kings for a brief discussion. At the end, the Holy Father traveled by car to the City Circle to maintain the meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps.

“Ideologies are always an enemy of democracy”

At the beginning of his speech, Pope Francis recalled that twice, in the first half of the last century, the country “had to suffer invasion and deprivation of freedom and independence.”

He also highlighted his commitment to building a united and supportive Europe, “finally leaving behind the divisions, contrasts and wars caused by exasperated nationalisms and pernicious ideologies. Ideologies are always an enemy of democracy,” he stated.

“Instructed by its history, since the end of the Second World War your country has distinguished itself for its commitment to building a united and supportive Europe,” he continued.

He also emphasized its role as a founding member of the European Union and highlighted that its “solid democratic structure”, which ensures the dignity of the human person and the defense of fundamental freedoms, “is the essential requirement to play such a relevant role in the continental context”.

In this sense, he highlighted “the patient construction of wise institutions and laws that, by regulating the lives of citizens according to criteria of equity and respect for the rule of law, place the person and the common good at the center, preventing and countering the dangers of discrimination and exclusion.”

Later, the Pontiff made a particular call “for relations of solidarity to be established between peoples, so that all are participants and protagonists of an orderly project of integral development.”

Development, to be authentic and integral, the Holy Father continued, “must not plunder and degrade our common home nor should it leave people or social groups on the sidelines.”

“Wealth is a responsibility”

He also stressed that wealth “is a responsibility” and therefore called for “constant vigilance to not neglect the most disadvantaged nations, in fact, to help them escape their conditions of impoverishment.”

This is, according to Pope Francis, “an adequate way to reduce the number of those who are forced to emigrate, often in inhumane and dangerous conditions.”

For this reason, he urged that Luxembourg “be a help and an example in indicating the path to follow for the reception and integration of migrants and refugees.”

“Unfortunately, we must observe the resurgence, even on the European continent, of disagreements and enmities that, instead of being resolved on the basis of mutual goodwill, negotiation and diplomatic work, lead to open hostilities, with their consequences. of destruction and death.”

He then lamented that “it seems that the human heart does not always know how to preserve memory and that it periodically goes astray and returns to the tragic paths of war.”

To cure this “dangerous sclerosis”, “it is necessary to look upward, it is necessary that the daily life of the people and their rulers be animated by high and profound spiritual values, which prevent the loss of reason and the irresponsible return to “commit the same mistakes of the past, further aggravated by the greater technical power that human beings now have.”

“The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only one capable of profoundly transforming the human soul”

He then stated that the Gospel of Jesus Christ “is the only one capable of profoundly transforming the human soul, making it capable of doing good even in the most difficult situations, of extinguishing hatred and reconciling the parties in conflict.”

He added that he has seen the percentage of births in the country and that is why he asked for “more children. It is the future,” she assured.

Likewise, in conclusion, he emphasized that “it is urgent that those invested with authority commit themselves, with perseverance and patience, to carrying out honest negotiations with a view to resolving disagreements, with a willingness to find honorable compromises that do not undermine anything and that they can, instead, build security and peace for all.”