Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Nov 20 (EFE).- Pope Francis has thanked “the great efforts” that are being made to address the humanitarian emergency represented by the arrival to the Canary Islands of thousands of immigrants in boats and cayucos and has praised ” the sensitivity and hospitality” that the Canarian people are demonstrating.
“The sensitivity and hospitality that characterizes the Canarian people also leave their mark on the model of welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating the brothers and sisters who come to their shores looking for a future. Thank you for opening the doors of your heart to those who suffer! “, says Francisco in a letter to which EFE has had access.
In the letter, addressed to the faithful of the Canary Islands, the Pope emphasizes that he is aware of the “difficult situation that the Canary archipelago is going through due to the migratory crisis” with the arrival of more than 33,000 people to the islands this year. in boats and cayucos, figures that already exceed the historical maximum of 2006.
Francis asks his two bishops on the islands, José Mazuelos (Diocese of the Canary Islands) and Bernardo Álvarez (Diocese of Tenerife) to convey to the citizens of the archipelago his “encouragement and closeness” for this situation and also for the way in which they are responding.
“As we face these challenges, which I understand are not easy, I ask you not to be discouraged and to continue building networks of love and beacons of hope that illuminate the paths of the new humanity, willing to bow, like the Good Samaritan, to heal the wounds of those who are fallen,” he adds.
The Pope emphasizes that “in the faces of these people (the migrants), marked by suffering”, one can “recognize a look that longs for a future of peace and fraternity.”
“Let us ask God that these desires come to fruition. May Jesus bless the Canarian people and the Holy Virgin sustain them with her fraternal protection. And, please, do not forget to pray for me,” Jorge Bergoglio concludes his letter, dated in Rome on November 3. EFE
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