532 Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale

the Aegean and the entire Mediterranean, and to develop safe resettlement

procedures. In this way we will be able to assist those countries directly

engaged in meeting the needs of so many of our suffering brothers and

sisters. In particular, we express our solidarity with the people of Greece,

who despite their own economic difficulties, have responded with gener-

osity to this crisis.

Together we solemnly plead for an end to war and violence in the

Middle East, a just and lasting peace and the honourable return of those

forced to abandon their homes. We ask religious communities to increase

their efforts to receive, assist and protect refugees of all faiths, and that

religious and civil relief services work to coordinate their initiatives. For as

long as the need exists, we urge all countries to extend temporary asylum,

to offer refugee status to those who are eligible, to expand their relief

efforts and to work with all men and women of good will for a prompt

end to the conflicts in course.

Europe today faces one of its most serious humanitarian crises since

the end of the Second World War. To meet this grave challenge, we appeal

to all followers of Christ to be mindful of the Lord's words, on which we

will one day be judged: « For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was

thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was

naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison

and you came to me… Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to

one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me ». ( Mt 25:35-36, 40.)

For our part, in obedience to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, we

firmly and wholeheartedly resolve to intensify our efforts to promote the

full unity of all Christians. We reaffirm our conviction that « reconciliation

[among Christians] involves promoting social justice within and among all

peoples… Together we will do our part towards giving migrants, refugees and

asylum-seekers a humane reception in Europe » ( Charta Oecumenica, 2001).

By defending the fundamental human rights of refugees, asylum-seekers

and migrants, and the many marginalized people in our societies, we aim

to fulfil the Churches' mission of service to the world.

Our meeting today is meant to help bring courage and hope to those

seeking refuge and to all those who welcome and assist them. We urge

the international community to make the protection of human lives a pri-

ority and, at every level, to support inclusive policies which extend to all