Pope: Nations need to share burden of helping migrants

Pope Francis meets with members of the Italian Entrepreneurs Association in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis says a concerted response is needed to Europe’s migrant problem so that countries share equally the burden of helping those fleeing war and other “inhumane” situations.

Francis is praising Greece and other countries offering “generous” help while being on the frontline of the arrivals. Speaking to people in St. Peter’s Square Sunday, Francis said a “concerted response can be more effective and distribute equally the weight” of helping the migrants.

He pressed for decisive negotiations by countries to achieve this and said he always keeps the “drama of the refugees” in his prayers.

Francis also welcomed the news of the cease-fire in Syria with hope and invited prayers so this development might bring relief to those suffering from the civil war and lead to peace. TVJ