Before praying the Angelus Pope Francis reiterates the need for a society that excludes no one, regardless of when they arrived or where they came from.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis on Sunday reminded the faithful to be hospitable towards all those who arrive on our shores and in our societies.
Addressing those present for Holy Mass and the Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope recalled the just celebrated liturgy dedicated to migrants and refugees during which, he said, “we renewed the Church’s attention” to the many vulnerable people who are on the move.”
The Pope said that together with the faithful of all the Dioceses in the world, the celebration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees reaffirms that “no one be excluded from society, whether they be resident citizens for quite some time, or newly arrived”.
Sculpture
He also said that he was about to unveil a sculpture inspired by the passage from the Letter to the Hebrews: “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.”
The Pope explained that “This sculpture, made of bronze and clay, depicts a group of migrants of various cultures and from different historic times”.
“I wanted this artistic work to be placed here in St Peter’s Square, so that it might remind everyone about the evangelical challenge of hospitality,” he said.
