Holy Father Pope Francis conveyed his message for the celebration of 2018 World Day of Peace during a press conference at the Holy See Press Office. The message is divided into six sections with the first offering heartfelt good wishes for peace and inviting people of good will to embrace those fleeing war, hunger and persecution. The message entitled “Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in search of Peace” also poses the question, “why so many migrants and refugees?”
As reported by news.va, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “We know that it is not enough to open our hearts to the suffering of others. Much more remains to be done before our brothers and sisters can once again live peacefully in a safe home and welcoming others requires concrete commitment, a network of assistance and goodwill, vigilant and sympathetic attention, the responsible management of new and complex situations that at times compound numerous existing problems, to say nothing of resources, which are always limited.” Holy Father also notes that some people consider the growth in migration as a threat but asked the faithful to view it with confidence, as an opportunity to build peace.
His Holiness concluded his message by drawing inspiration from St. John Paul II with these words. “If the dream of a peaceful world is shared by all, if the refugees’ and migrants’ contribution is properly evaluated, then humanity can become more and more a universal family and our earth a true ‘common home’.”
