Pope to politicians: Unacceptable to blame migrants for evil

In this photo, taken on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, Pope Francis delivers his message during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Pope Francis issued his annual peace message, which was dedicated this year to the need for politics to promote peace, and said political speeches that berate migrants and the poor are “unacceptable.” (Photo by ANDREW MEDICHINI / AP)

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said political speeches that berate migrants and the poor are “unacceptable.”

Pope Francis issued his annual peace message, which was dedicated this year to the need for politics to promote peace. In listing the virtues and vices of politics, the Pope said nationalism was one threat to peace because it destroys trust in a globalized world.

Another violation of peace, he said Tuesday, is the proliferation of arms and terror exerted on the innocent and vulnerable that has forced them to flee homes for safety.

He said: “Political addresses that tend to blame every evil on migrants and to deprive the poor of hope are unacceptable. Rather, there is a need to reaffirm that peace is based on respect for each person.”  /kga