After the attack in Solingen, there is a renewed debate in Germany about stricter immigration rules. The Pope does not think much of this. He advocates global control of migration.
Pope Francis has spoken out against tightening immigration laws. In his weekly general audience, the head of the Catholic Church instead called for better international control of migration. In addition, people smugglers must be stopped. After the knife attack in Solingen that left at least three people dead, there are renewed debates in Germany about stricter laws.
During the audience in St. Peter’s Square, Francis once again expressed his horror at the number of people who die fleeing violence in their homeland or in search of better living conditions. “The Mediterranean has become a cemetery,” said the Pontiff. Most of these dead could have been saved, he said.
Francis added: “But this cannot be achieved through more restrictive laws, not through the militarization of borders, not through borders, not through rejections.” Instead, there must be “safe and regular access routes.” What is needed is a “global management of migration based on justice, fraternity and solidarity.”
