'A crime to block out migrants from Africa', says Pope Francis
Putting up barriers to stop the arrival of migrants from Africa "is a crime", but the EU does not support first host countries such as Italy, said Pope Francis.
religion
Calls mount to ease asylum for Iranians, as clampdown on protestors claims more lives
Following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iranian police custody on September 16, protestors have taken to the streets demanding change. Fears are mounting that those opposing the government this way might suffer persecution. A German politician has now called for those fleeing the country to be granted asylum.
Malta is 'key place' for migration issue, says Pope Francis
Malta is a key location as concerns the issue of migration, Pope Francis said Wednesday during his general audience in speaking about his trip to the island this week. He then called for the world to become more "fraternal, more liveable" in order to save itself from a "shipwreck that threatens all of us".
Pope pained by deaths at sea of migrants
Pope Francis on Sunday January 23 expressed pain at the deaths of migrants at sea because they are not allowed to land, he said.
Sister Act: Scalabrinian Foundation puts refugees at the center of its missionary work
Loving your neighbor as yourself is a cornerstone of Christian teaching. In Italy, the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo put that core belief into practise, launching the Scalabrinian Foundation.
Polish Catholic Church stresses need to help migrants at Belarus border
The most senior dignitary of Poland's powerful Catholic Church has endorsed the idea of assisting in taking in migrants. Wojciech Polak, the archbishop of Gniezno and primate of Poland, said that the church was willing to take in such people in need.
Pope Francis meets migrants at Lesbos refugee camp
The pope condemned the neglect migrants face as the "shipwreck of civilization." Francis spent time with refugees at a temporary facility on the island built to quickly replace the Moria camp that burned down last year.
Pope could bring migrants from Cyprus to Italy
Pope Francis arrives today on the divided island of Cyprus for a two-day visit before continuing to Greece. The possibility that the pope could bring a group of refugees back to Italy from Cyprus is an "option being studied", according to the Vatican Press Office.
'Reopening legal pathways for migration urgent'
The head of the Comunità di Sant'Egidio, Marco Impagliazzo, has once again asked that legal pathways for migrants to enter Europe be reopened; stressing that "fair and documented immigration can contribute" to economic recovery.
German nun fined for granting church asylum to Nigerian women
A German court has charged a nun €500 for assisting Nigerian women threatened with deportation from Germany. The two women reportedly fled from forced prostitution in Italy. Different groups criticized the court order and called for a decriminalization of church asylum.
Pope Francis: Societies to have 'colorful' future in inclusive world
In his annual message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis stated that "our societies will have a 'colorful' future, enriched by diversity and by cultural exchanges," stressing the need to learn to live together, in harmony and peace.
Muslims in Germany: Religion not a good gauge of integration
A study shows that the number of Muslims in Germany has significantly risen compared to 2015 and many still face challenges in employment and education. But religion may only be a minor cause of these challenges.