Pope Francis launches appeal for refugees and their families

Gazzetta del Sud
'Understanding, hospitality' crucial says Francis

Vatican City, - Pope Francis on Wednesday launched an appeal in support of refugees and their families "who are forced to leave their country and home in a hurry and lose every possession and security they have to escape violence and persecution, or serious discrimination". 

Speaking at the end of a general audience and noting that Thursday is World Refugee Day, the pontiff called for "understanding and hospitality" for refugees and their families and expressed the hope that people "throughout the world" will assist them.