“I also was able to see how only a few European countries are bearing the greater part of consequences of the phenomena of migration in the Mediterranean area,” he said. Frontline countries including Cyprus, Italy, Greece and Malta have long called for other countries to share responsibility for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from north Africa. About 54,000 migrants have arrived in Italy this year, up from about 30,000 last year. Francis said he hoped more European countries would allow local Church groups to bring in more refugees and migrants and help them integrate. “You need only to open a door, the door of the heart.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 22, 2021 12:12 UTC