Vatican document calls for an end to discrimination against Gypsies

Published: 2007-11-06

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Stereotypes, racism and discrimination against Gypsies must be overcome, said a new Vatican document. Both people of Gypsy origin and non-Gypsies "are involved in acts of racism; race must not separate us; instead efforts must be made to favor unity in diversity," it said. The document, distributed to journalists Nov. 5, outlines conclusions and recommendations made during the first world meeting of Gypsy priests, deacons and religious. The meeting, held in late September at the Vatican, was sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, and was inspired by the council's 2006 "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of Gypsies." Seeing Gypsies "only as poor people to be helped" must be abandoned, the new document said. It added that Catholics must come to see that they too are "poor and in need of accepting the human and spiritual riches the Gypsies bring." The document said consecrated Gypsies could help build understanding between cultures.

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