A group of Syrian refugees from the devastated city of Homs were welcomed to Italy on Tuesday morning by members of the Sant’Egdio community thanks to the ecumenical ‘humanitarian corridor’ project. They were also offered a Palm Sunday olive branch and an Italian language tuition book by members of the Sant’Egidio Community who met them at the airport. The refugees travelled safely to Italy thanks to the “humanitarian corridor” project carried out and funded by Sant’Egidio. Holy Father Pope Francis appreciated the initiative calling it as a concrete sign of commitment to peace and life that helps people fleeing from war and violence.
As reported by Vatican Radio, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “As a concrete sign of commitment to peace and life, I want to mention and express admiration for humanitarian corridors in favor of refugees, launched recently in Italy. This pilot project, which combines solidarity and security, allows one to help people fleeing war and violence, as the hundred refugees who have already been transferred to Italy, including sick children, disabled people, war widows with children, and the elderly.” Further, His Holiness added, “I also welcome this initiative because it is an ecumenical one, supported by the Community of Sant’Egidio, the Italian Federation of Evangelical Churches, and the Waldensian and Methodist churches”.
The “Humanitarian Corridors” are the result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the faith-based groups involved and by the Italian Government that issues humanitarian visas with “limited territorial validity” meaning they are valid only for Italy.
Source: en.radiovaticana.va
