Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tunisia (Agenzia Fides) - "On the issue of migrants, Europe is trying to put into practice a drastic protection that does not always go in the direction of justice and often becomes a source of exclusion and discrimination." It is the assessment contained in the declaration issued at the conclusion of a meeting of Bishops of Maghreb with an episcopal delegation of France and Spain. The meeting of the "Mixed Commission Mediterranean-Maghreb-Europe" was held from May 2 to 4 in Tunisia. In the final note, sent to Fides, the Bishops who met in Tunisia express, "with regards to Libya , support for the interventions of Pope Benedict XVI and Bishop Giovanni Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, are the priority of the political dialogue: no-one can control the consequences of armed intervention that also affect innocent victims. "
The issue of migrants was the focus of the reflection of the Bishops. "On this delicate issue - says the statement - there are two attitudes in contrast: that of various politicians who wish to guarantee almost exclusively the safety and security of its citizens, unfortunately, often for electoral reasons, and that of the disciples of the Gospel that, risk of being accused of naivety, want, against everything and everyone, to serve primarily the people and defend their dignity, even if they are irregular and without documents. "
"These two points of view - the text continues - could find a meeting point if the money used to protect the borders were used to develop at least food self-sufficiency of the countries of origin of migrants and if resources were secured to allow dignified life for all citizens. The latter would not be forced to leave at the risk of life. For decades, the Popes repeat these concepts, how can you not reaffirm them now? " the Bishops stressed. As far as dialogue between Christians and Muslims is concerned, finally, "priority should be given to the encounter between people from different horizons that often allows a truer and more spiritual exchange." (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 05/05/2011)
