Pope appeals for migrants in difficulty in Central America

Pope Francis expressed his concern for thousands of migrants currently in difficulties in Central America. Speaking after the Angelus on Sunday he said: "My thoughts in this moment go out to the numerous Cuban migrants who find themselves in difficulty in Central America, many of whom are victims of human trafficking. I invite the countries of the region to renew with generosity all necessary efforts in order to find a rapid solution to this humanitarian drama."

In early November approximately 3,000 Cubans travelling to the United States, were stopped at the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, as Nicaragua does not allow them entry into the country, even for transit. Now the number has reached about 7,000.

At Mass on Christmas Day, celebrated in Paso Canoas where 300 Cubans had been welcomed, Panamanian Cardinal Jose Luis Lacunza, Bishop of David, called for a political solution to the crisis that this group of people are experiencing. As reported by the local television, the Cardinal said: "We must find political solutions as soon as possible, because one cannot continue like this much longer."

About 1,000 migrants from Ecuador are also blocked in Panama and have been welcomed by the Catholic and Evangelical Church communities.

A recent meeting in Mexico of the members of the "Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana" ended without any positive results. Today, 28 December, there will be another meeting of SICA in Guatemala.

Source: Fides