Pope Francis said in a
message on the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Jesuit
Refugee Service (JRS) that "today too many people in the world
are forced to cling to boats and dinghies in a bid to seek
refuge from the viruses of injustice, violence and war".
Francis said "my thoughts go out especially to the many men,
women and children who turn to the JRS to seek refuge and
assistance.
"May they know that the Pope is close to them and their families
and he remembers them in his prayers.
"Looking to the future, I am confident that no halt or
challenge, personal or institutional, will be able to distract
or discourage you from responding generously to the urgent call
of promoting a culture of closeness and encounter via the
determined defence of the rights of those whom you accompany
every day".
The latest shipwreck in the Mediterranean killed six people
including an 18-month-old boy.
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