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Pope calls for solidarity vis-à-vis the North African migrants

AFP - Pope Benedict XVI launched Sunday in his Easter message, a fervent appeal to all countries to "express solidarity" and to "open their hearts to welcome" to "many exiles and refugees" from Africa .

"For many exiles and refugees who come from various African countries who were forced to leave their dearest affections, making manifest the solidarity of all!", Launched the Pope in his message "urbi et orbi" ( "to the city and the world), whereas in several European countries, xenophobic reactions and measures to limit immigration is growing.

The pope was speaking to tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter.He then pronounced the blessing "urbi et orbi" in 65 languages.

"Let men of good will be lit to open their hearts to the reception, so that in solidarity and concerted it is possible to meet the pressing needs of so many brothers," added the pontiff, in this solemn appeal, echoing many voices of the Catholic Church.

"That all those who spend generous efforts and provide copies of evidence to that effect reach our encouragement and appreciation," the pope said, giving his full support to organizations and individuals that assist refugees and exiles.

The revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, and the war in Libya led tens of thousands of people in these countries, but also Africans who lived there as migrant workers to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, often aboard makeshift boats.

A lively debate took place in Europe to their home and restrictions on the Schengen area of ​​free movement.

But the Libyan conflict has also displaced more than 550,000 immmigrants to neighboring countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Niger, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Some African immigrants, asssimilés in Libya's Colonel Gaddafi mercenaries have been abused or killed.