Pope Francis has expressed his closeness to the people of Greece. The country missed the deadline to payback a $1.8 million loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Although the country had presented a two-year deal to restructure its debt, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there would be no negotiations until after this Sunday’s referendum.
The people of Greece will decide whether they will accept creditor’s bailout conditions or leave the eurozone.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, stated that “the news from Greece regarding the economic and social situation of the country is worrying.”
“The Holy Father wishes to convey his closeness to all the Greek people, with a special thought for the many families gravely beset by such a complex and keenly felt human and social crisis,” Fr. Lombardi stated.
“The dignity of the human person must remain at the centre of any political and technical debate, as well as in the taking of responsible decisions.”
Concluding his statement, Fr. Lombardi said that the Pope has invited the faithful to “unite in prayer for the good of the beloved Greek people.”
