Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Contact with others leads to discovering their "secret", to being open to them in order to welcome their valid aspects and thus contribute to knowing each one better. This is a lengthy process that aims to shape societies and cultures, making them more and more a reflection of the multi-faceted gifts of God to human beings”. This is part of a Message from Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the 91st World Migrants Day which the Church will mark on 16 January 2005 on the theme: " Intercultural integration".
“ In this process- the message continues - the migrant is intent on taking the necessary steps towards social inclusion, such as learning the national language and complying with the laws and requirements at work, so as to avoid the occurrence of exasperated differentiation.” The Pope reflects on some implications of the intercultural aspect. First of all “conflict of identity”, which often arises between persons of different cultures yet positive elements are not lacking. “ In our society, characterised by the global phenomenon of migration, individuals must seek the proper balance between respect for their own identity and recognition of that of others”. It is necessary to exclude models which tend “to make those who are different a copy of self ”, or models which marginalise immigrants: “ The way to take is the path of genuine integration (cf. Ecclesia in Europa, no. 102) with an open outlook that refuses to consider solely the differences between immigrants and the local people”. The Message affirms “ Thus the need arose for a dialogue between people of different cultures in a context of pluralism that goes beyond mere tolerance and reaches sympathy... We should encourage instead a mutual fecundation of cultures. This implies reciprocal knowledge and openness between cultures, in a context of true understanding and benevolence.”
In this context “Christians, conscious on their part of the transcendent action of the Spirit, can also recognise in the various cultures the presence of "precious elements of religion and humanity" (cf. Gaudium et Spes, no. 92) that can offer solid prospects of mutual understanding. It will, of course, be necessary to combine the principle of respect for cultural differences with the protection of values that are in common and inalienable, because they are founded on universal human rights”. Moreover, if they are coherent with themselves, Christians cannot give up proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to all creation (cf. Mk 16:15). Obviously, they must do so with respect for the conscience of others, always resorting to the method of charity”. As "morning watchmen" “Christians must above all listen to the cry for help that comes from a multitude of migrants and refugees, but they must then foster, with active commitment, prospects of hope that will herald the dawn of a more open and supportive society. It is up to them in the first place to make out God's presence in history, even when everything still seems to be enveloped in darkness.”
During the press conference to present the Papal Message the media were also given information with regard to the phenomenon of migration which involves about 175 million people who are in a country which is not their own: 56 million in Europe, about 50 million in Asia, 41 million in North America, 16 million in Africa, 6 million in Latin American countries and the Caribbean, and also in Oceania. Countries hosting the highest number of immigrants are as follows: United States (circa 35 million), Russian Federation (13 million), Germany (7 million), India and France (6 million), Canada (6 million), Saudi Arabia (5 million), Pakistan (over 4 million) Italy (20th with 2.5 million). Immigrants in the United States come for at least 40 different countries, Mexico is top of the list with 9 million. Germany has a foreign population coming from 18 different countries. Japan receives immigrants from at least ten countries. In Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States circa 38% of immigrants come for Latin America and the Caribbean and 24% circa are of Asian origin or they come from Oceania, and about 21% are Europeans. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2004; Righe 43 - Parole 614)
