Catholic Malta's attitude to immigrants questioned

The Jesuit Refugee Service has cautioned against comments that may lead to hostility against illegal immigrants, drawing attention to the Pope's appeal for solidarity with migrants and refugees.

When contacted for a reaction to Foreign Minister Tonio Borg's remarks last Friday that illegal immigrants were placing extreme pressure on Malta's social fabric, JRS Director Fr Joseph Cassar said:

"In view of the Pope's message, I feel that comments which may lead to hostility are not helpful at all.

"The present challenge could be a defining moment in our history, in the shaping of our national identity, with a vision for the future based on solidarity rather than isolation. We may be just in time to rescue our national virtue of hospitality from degenerating into the cancer of hostility."

Today, the Church celebrates World Day for Migrants and Refugees. In his message, Pope Benedict emphasises the need "to show solidarity to these brothers and sisters of ours and to promote, in every part of the world and by every means, peaceful coexistence among different races, cultures and religions".

The Pope's message continues: "How can we fail to take charge of all those, particularly refugees and displaced people, who are in conditions of difficulty or hardship?

"How can we fail to meet the needs of those who are de facto the weakest and most defenceless, marked by precariousness and insecurity, marginalised and often excluded by society."

When contacted yesterday, the Foreign Ministry defended the minister's statement: "During bilateral relations meetings, the topic of illegal migration has always been on the agenda for the past years, with an emphasis during the French Presidency. This has led towards the signing of the Migration and Asylum Pact.

"With regards to solidarity, Malta throughout the ages has always strived to show solidarity and will continue doing so, where this is possible."