Pope: international cooperation for migrants "indispensable and urgent"

Francis visits Italian president. "Generating and accompanying processes that give rise to new opportunities for dignified employment". "Stable employment, along with a political commitment to the family, is the first and most important place for the formation of intra-personal relations and the conditions for genuine sustainable development."

Rome (AsiaNews) - Migrants, work and family. These are the arguments raised by Pope Francis on the visit this morning to President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. A return visit according to protocol for Mattarella’s trip to the Vatican on June 18, 2015.

The Pope was welcomed in the Quirinal Courtyard by 200 children from the areas of central Italy affected by the earthquake. There was a private interview with the President, the presentation of delegations and the exchange of gifts. In his speech, held in the Hall of the Armed Forces, Francis first praised the Italian commitment to migrants, underlining the "welcome to many refugees", "the first aid work guaranteed by its ships in the Mediterranean and the commitment of groups of volunteers, among which ecclesiastical associations and bodies are distinguished as well as the widespread network of parishes. "

"The way in which the state and the people of Italy are facing the migration crisis, together with the effort to properly assist the people affected by the earthquake, are an expression of a sentiment and behavior that finds its most genuine source in the Christian faith, which has shaped the character of the Italians and that in dramatic moments shines most. As far as the vast and complex migratory phenomenon is concerned, it is clear that few nations can not bear the full burden, ensuring an orderly integration of newcomers into their social fabric. For this reason, it is imperative and urgent to develop a broad and inclusive international co-operation. "

Recalling the recent visits in the country, the Pope renewed his appeal to "generate and accompany processes that give rise to new opportunities for decent work. Youth discontent, pockets of poverty, the difficulties young people encounter in forming a family and bringing children into the world find a common denominator in the inadequacy of labor supply, sometimes so precarious or unpaid that it does not allow for a serious life’s plan. An alliance of synergies and initiatives is needed in order for the financial resources to be placed in the service of this great program of immense social value and that they are not distorted and dispersed in predominantly speculative investments, which indicate the lack of a long-term planning. The inadequate consideration of the true role of the entrepreneur and ultimately the weakness and instinct towards escapism are the challenges of our time. "

"Stable employment, along with a political commitment to the family, is the first and most important place for the formation of intra-personal relations and the conditions for genuine sustainable development. They are two pillars that support the common home and strengthen it to face the future with not with a hopeless and fearful spirit, but creative and confident. New generations have the right to be able to walk towards important goals and the reach their fate, so that, driven by noble ideals, they may find the strength and courage to carry out the sacrifices needed to reach the finish line, to build a society worthy of man, in relationships, in work, in the family, and in society. "

The Pope recalled the "singular burden and honor" that Italy has as "in its own domain, the seat of the universal government of the Catholic Church", underlined the "cordial and generous availability and collaboration of the Italian state". Of which, however, Francis commended its secular nature "not hostile and conflicting, but friendly and collaborative, albeit in the strict distinction of the competences of political institutions on the one hand and religious ones on the other. A secularity my predecessor Benedict XVI called 'positive'. And we cannot help but observe how, thanks to it, the state of relations between Church and State in Italy is excellent, to the advantage for individuals and the entire national community."