Pope seeks fairness for young immigrants, urges them to respect law

Published: 2008-01-14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI appealed for fair treatment of young immigrants and said they are often at risk of exploitation. At the same time, he urged immigrants to always respect the law and never allow their frustration to turn to violence. He made the comments at a noon blessing Jan. 13, which was marked by Catholic communities in many countries as the World Day for Migrants and Refugees. Late last year the pope wrote a message for the event which noted that the future of many children today is jeopardized by forced migration, human trafficking and other refugee factors. Addressing pilgrims from his apartment above St. Peter's Square, the pope cited the growing number of young migrants around the globe, many of whom are separated from their families and their home countries. Girls and minors among the migrant population face particular risks, he said.

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