Scottish Catholic Observer

The Pope was giving a speech to a French Christian group last week when he reflected on Europe’s history of migration and the positive impact it has had on its culture today.

“Today we can talk of Arab invasion. It is a social fact,” he told his audience.

He went on to explain that the arrival of migrants (above), predominantly from Syria and Iraq, will help Europe in the future by making it more multi-cultural.

The Holy Father added that the present situation faced by Europe should be seen from a wider perspective ‘in time and impact’ as he insisted that this continent will ‘go forward and find itself enhanced by the exchange among cultures.’’

“How many invasions has Europe experienced in the course of its history!” the Pope said. “But it’s always been able to overcome them and move forward, finding itself complemented and improved by cultural exchange they brought about.”

He declared that the continent ‘can bring about a certain unity to the world.’

As of last year, the number of Syrians seeking asylum in Europe doubled to 362,800 while the number of Iraqis jumped to 121,500, the European Commission said Friday. Huge numbers of migrants and asylum seekers mostly from Africa are also entering Europe.

The UK announced on Monday that it will provide ‘vital military assets’ to help a NATO mission tackling people smugglers in the Aegean Sea.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced the amphibious landing ship RFA Mounts Bay would be sent ahead of an emergency summit EU summit on the migrant crisis. The ship, which carries a Wildcat helicopter, will be joined by two cutter boats and a civilian vessel.

—This story ran in full in the March 11 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.