Pope Francis urged European leaders on Sunday to stop bickering over the fate of 49 migrants stuck aboard two humanitarian rescue ships on the Mediterranean and to give them a safe port of call.
With his comments at his address to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square at the end marking the feast of the Epiphany, Francis jumped into a diplomatic fracas between Italy and Malta.
“I make a heartfelt appeal to European leaders to show concrete solidarity for these people,” Francis said.
They were “seeking a safe port where they can disembark,” he said.
During the homily the Pope said that the Magi adore Jesus and offer him gifts, giving an example of perseverance and generosity of heart.
“And finally, they returned ‘to their country’, carrying within themselves the mystery of that humble and poor King.”
Pope Francis said they surely told everyone they knew about “the salvation offered by God in Christ, which is for all people.”
Finally, the Pope invited us to be enlightened by Christ.
“Let us not allow fear to close our hearts, but let us have the courage to open ourselves up to this gentle and discreet light.”
The day’s Gospel shows two ways to respond to Jesus’ presence: fear or openness.
“Herod is afraid of losing power and does not think about the true good of the people, but about his own personal gain.”
Reuters / Vatican News
