Pope Francis Condemns Inaction as Migrants Face Grave Perils

Pope Francis has decried the "grave sin" of intentionally allowing migrants to die in extreme conditions, urging countries not to turn their backs on those at risk.

In a powerful address during his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis condemned the indifference and inaction that lead to the deaths of countless migrants seeking refuge abroad.

"Brothers and sisters, we can all agree on one thing: Migrants should not be in those seas and in those lethal deserts," the pontiff said. "And, unfortunately, they are there."

Pope Francis Condemns Inaction as Migrants Face Grave Perils

Pope Francis specifically denounced those who "systematically work, using all means, to push back migrants" instead of creating more humane methods for them to be vetted and organized.

"And when this is done consciously and responsibly, it is a grave sin," he continued. "Let us not forget what the Bible says: ‘You shall not wrong or oppress a foreigner.’"

Pope Francis Condemns Inaction as Migrants Face Grave Perils

The pontiff's words come amidst a global refugee crisis, with millions of people displaced from their homes due to war, persecution, and poverty. Many of these migrants embark on perilous journeys, crossing deserts and treacherous seas in search of a better life.

Pope Francis emphasized the responsibility of nations to welcome migrants out of charity and respect for the human person. However, he also acknowledged the legitimate right of governments to secure their borders and enforce the law.

Pope Francis Condemns Inaction as Migrants Face Grave Perils

The Catholic Church teaches that secular governments have a dual obligation to balance when dealing with immigration and outsiders seeking refugee status: to welcome the foreigner and to secure their borders.

"Sovereign nations have the right to enforce their laws and all persons must respect the legitimate exercise of this right," the Catholic Catechism states.

Pope Francis urged people to pray for migrants and to contribute to organizations working to assist them. He emphasized that inaction and indifference in the face of their suffering is a grave sin.

"God does not remain at a distance, no. He shares in the migrants' drama, God is there with them, with the migrants," Pope Francis said. "He suffers with them, with the migrants, he weeps and hopes with them."