January 1 is World Day of Peace, a feast day established by Pope Paul VI in 1967. It is held on Jan 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In his 2018 World Day of Peace message Pope Francis pleads in down to earth language on behalf of the world’s often unwanted refugees and migrants.
“In a spirit of compassion, let us embrace all those fleeing from war and hunger, or forced by discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation to leave their homelands.”
“… many of them are willing to risk their lives in a journey which is often long and dangerous, they are willing to face strain and suffering.”
“Please, let us not extinguish the hope in their hearts, let us not suffocate their hopes for peace!”
“Those who … forment fear of migrants instead of building peace are sowing violence, racial discrimination and xenophobia.”
Read Pope Francis’ entire World Day of Peace message here > “Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace“.
Read related news coverage at the following links:
Refugees in Nigeria
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