Migrants arriving in a new country want to be respected and not treated suspiciously, Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interfaith Dialogue, said.

Addressing the Mouvement International D'Apostolat Des Milieux Sociaux Indépendants, meeting in Malta, Cardinal Tauran stressed the importance of conquering the hearts of migrants; human friendship went a long way towards bridging differences.

Interfaith dialogue compelled believers to be strong and clear in their faith because they could not dialogue in ambiguity. However, he stressed, one could not be afraid of speaking about one's faith.

About 300 delegates from 27 countries were in Malta to attend the movement's 12th general assembly, hosted by its local member movement Rinascità Cristiana Malta. The meeting, which focused on migration and the chance to build bridges, kicked off on Friday and ended yesterday.

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