Cardinal Parolin praises 'sense of solidarity' for migrants in Slovenia

(Vatican Radio) The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, concluded a visit to Slovenia on Thursday by visiting a reception centre for refugees in Dobova, on the Croatian border, where tens of thousands of immigrants arrived at the height of last autumn’s migration crisis.

During his three day visit, the cardinal on Wednesday inaugurated new premises for the Apostolic Nunciature to Slovenia, in the capital Ljubljana and celebrated Mass to mark the close of the Year of Consecrated Life in Ljublijana Cathedral.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday at the start of his visit, Cardinal Parolin and Slovenia’s prime minister Miro Cerar called for a “humane and solidarity-based” resolution to the refugee crisis.

During his visit to the reception centre in Dobova, the Vatican Secretary of State met with volunteers and said he was impressed by the “great sense of solidarity” with migrants which must be the starting point for any lasting solutions to the crisis….

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Cardinal Parolin said he was very struck by the sense of solidarity he experienced at the centre in Dobova. Although there are many complex issues to be taken into consideration, he said the focus on sharing difficulties and giving help to those in need is an important starting point.

Migrant crisis must be tackled through common effort

He said he was visiting the centre on behalf of Pope Francis to give “strength and courage” to those working on behalf of the refugees. He said it’s important to recognize the work of organisations like Caritas and many others, adding that it’s “a good sign” that such organisations are working together in the face of the crisis. While insisting that the Vatican does not give “technical solutions” but simply recalls the principles that must lie at the basis of any such solutions, the cardinal said the emergency can only be tackled and resolved through a common effort.

Asked about a possible papal visit to Slovenia, the cardinal said the Prime Minister invited the Pope during a trip to the Vatican last year and he repeated that invitation this week, but there are “no more details” of any papal visit at present.