Pope appeals on behalf of the people of Yemen and for Refugees

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

“I am following the dramatic circumstances of the people of Yemen”, the Pope said after concluding the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday before thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square.

An appeal to the international community for Yemen

He appealed to the international community to do everything possible to bring all the parties involved to the negotiating table so that "the already tragic humanitarian situation does not get worse”. Then Pope Francis invited those in the square to pray to Our Lady for peace in Yemen through the recitation of the Hail Mary.

World Refugee Day

Pope Francis then reminded everyone gathered that June 20 is World Refugee Day promoted by the United Nations in order to call attention to the anxiety and suffering lived by those who are forced to flee their homes because of “conflict and persecution”.

This year the days falls while governments meet to adopt a global compact on refugees, the Pope said. The hope is that an accord will be adopted which will promote a migration that is safe, ordered and legal.

I hope that the states involved in these processes reach an understanding to assure, with responsibility and humanity, assistance to and the protection of those who are forced to flee their own country.

The Pope continued saying that each of us is called to draw near to refugees and meet with them, to “value their contribution” so that they can be assimilated into society. It is by meeting informally like this that many problems can be solved, the Pope concluded.