Pope Francis renews call to welcome refugees while ensuring security

c. 2016 Religion News Service

VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis has called on European leaders not to turn their back on refugees and migrants despite the cultural and security challenges associated with the arrival of 1 million people this past year.

Francis has made concern for migrants a centerpiece of his papacy, and on Monday (January 11) in his annual address to diplomats accredited to the Holy See he again urged governments to “overcome the inevitable fears associated with this massive and formidable phenomenon.”