This morning, when the Holy Father received a delegation of St. Charles missionaries, better known as Scalabrinians, who work primarily with immigrants, and are in Rome for their general chapter, he exhorted them to be open especially to non-Christian immigrants.
«The growing number of non-Christian immigrants cannot leave the ecclesial communities indifferent, called to proclaim and witness the saving love of the Father,» he said. European countries in recent years have seen a large influx of Muslims.
«The presence of immigrants has transformed many countries into multiethnic and multicultural societies,» John Paul II continued. «This diversity is frequently perceived as a threat to the cultural and religious identity of the countries receiving them.
«Hence the rise of xenophobic attitudes, which imply the danger of tensions and misunderstandings, harmful to social peace. Given the risk of ethnic confrontations, all are called to rethink social coexistence in terms of dialogue and living together.»
