Acta Francisci Pp. 531

DECLARATIO COMMUNIS

Francisci Summi Pontificis, Bartholomaei Patriarchae Constantinopolitani

et Hieronymi, Archiepiscopi Athenarum totiusque Graeciae de profugis in

Europa accipiendis et curandis.

JOINT DECLARATION

We, Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop

Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, have met on the Greek island of

Lesvos to demonstrate our profound concern for the tragic situation of

the numerous refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who have come to

Europe fleeing from situations of conflict and, in many cases, daily threats

to their survival. World opinion cannot ignore the colossal humanitarian

crisis created by the spread of violence and armed conflict, the persecution

and displacement of religious and ethnic minorities, and the uprooting of

families from their homes, in violation of their human dignity and their

fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The tragedy of forced migration and displacement affects millions, and

is fundamentally a crisis of humanity, calling for a response of solidarity,

compassion, generosity and an immediate practical commitment of resour-

ces. From Lesvos, we appeal to the international community to respond

with courage in facing this massive humanitarian crisis and its underlying

causes, through diplomatic, political and charitable initiatives, and through

cooperative efforts, both in the Middle East and in Europe.

As leaders of our respective Churches, we are one in our desire for

peace and in our readiness to promote the resolution of conflicts through

dialogue and reconciliation. While acknowledging the efforts already being

made to provide help and care to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers,

we call upon all political leaders to employ every means to ensure that

individuals and communities, including Christians, remain in their home-

lands and enjoy the fundamental right to live in peace and security. A

broader international consensus and an assistance programme are urgently

needed to uphold the rule of law, to defend fundamental human rights in

this unsustainable situation, to protect minorities, to combat human traf-

ficking and smuggling, to eliminate unsafe routes, such as those through