The speech is the speech of an angry Pope. Not because of the sound, but because of the words chosen. The Pope once again denounced Europe closing its doors. Rightly, thinks Christoph Strack.
Pope Francis chooses clear words. The Mediterranean Sea, “this cradle of many civilizations,” has become “a cold graveyard without tombstones.” He accuses “deafness” to the needs of others, “deadly indifference” and “cynical disinterest”.
Such a thing happens for the first time in these nine years, that Pope Francis is in office: Travel to other countries leads him for the second time to the Greek island of Lesbos. For the second time he gives a speech there, addressed to all the refugees of the world.
In mid-April 2016, the Pope spoke briefly. “We have come to draw the world ‘s attention to this humanitarian crisis and to pray for its solution,” he said at the time. A prayer, which remained unheard.
“The problem is global”
This time everything seems more depressing, with more indignation than the first time. The head of the Catholic Church, who is expected to turn 85, accuses Europeans of lacking commitment to helping refugees and migrants.
“We have to admit with bitterness that this country, like other countries, is under pressure and that more and more people in Europe are pretending that this problem has nothing to do with them.”
This is a “global problem,” Francesco said.
He went on to discuss vaccination in the fight against Corona: “We have come to realize that we must work together on this great issue, because in today’s world partial solutions are not enough.”
“Staying in place”
Cooperation has been achieved, at least in part, in the global fight against viral infections, but on the subject of migration, the Pope sees a “terrible stay in the country.”
Once every few months there are reports of possible illegal deportations of refugees to Turkey. A few days ago, the New York Times wrote that Greek border guards had recalled that an interpreter of Frontex, the European border guard, was an asylum seeker, and had beaten and forcibly returned him to Turkey.
There are still no common European rules on asylum and refugee reception. All member states follow the motto “close your eyes and move on.” In Germany, when talking about this topic, the phrase “We are not able to accept everyone” is immediately used.
Human corridors
But the word is not there. The job is to get people out of need, especially families with children. No one can say that this is not done. Because words are uttered without thinking. Then people willingly accuse the Pope, who does nothing and who has such large palaces.
As a reminder: As part of the so-called “humanitarian corridors”, the Italian secular movement “Sant ‘Egidio” together with the Evangelical Church of the country and the Waldenses have been taking refugees from camps in Lebanon, Libya and Iraq for five years and bringing them to Italy: No state money, fully funded by donations Refugees are carefully selected in the country, their religion does not play a role Often those selected are families with children or people in need of special medical care They are received by helpers that at the respective airport.
Europe, tired and powerless?
Accommodation and voluntary escort have been prepared in the municipalities from the beginning. In Rome often the apartments belong to the Church, but also to the Vatican. And occasionally, Francesco invites such refugees to the Vatican, without the presence of the media. He wants to hear what they say, to follow their path.
Meanwhile, there are “humanitarian corridors” in France, Belgium and Andorra. And countries that accept refugees always issue humanitarian visas. Italian Catholicism can be blamed as much as you want, but such examples show that something is being done.
In many places, however, the ears become deaf. For Francis, Pope of Argentina, this Europe has long been a tired and powerless continent that has lost its traditional hospitality and its roots.
He does not know how to accept this. Hence this anger. Since Athens, the day before he criticized Europe and some politicians. Against the fatigue of democracy, the Pope said, only a good policy helps, which takes care of the well-being of all and feels obligated to the weakest. Will anyone in Brussels and Europe be affected by the Pope’s harsh criticism? This can not be known for sure.