Jesuit Priests call for action concerning refugees after Pope's visit to Lesbos

Following Pope Francis' visit to Lesbos, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) has written four proposals to aid refugees stranded in Greece.

The JRS, who were present when Pope Francis visited Lesbos and the Moria refugee camp, have called for the acceleration of the resettlement and for family reunification in all European countries for the 55,000 refugees in 40 camps across Greece.

They drew attention to the fact that refugees are currently in limbo, living in fear of deportation to Turkey, and subsequently called for a revision of the Turkey-European Union accord of March 18.

This is a suggestion that has been also made by a number of NGOs and UN bodies.

In connection with this, the JRS asked what will happen to those who are deported from Greece to Turkey.

A statement from the group said that it hoped "That the large question mark which remains over those persons returned to the camps in Turkey is addressed. There is no information and no possibility of follow-up, even by the UN. It is essential to guarantee that their fundamental rights are respected and to ensure their access to proper legal protection."

The JRS also called for better collaboration between Greek authorities, the UNHCR and NGOs, "so that all essential services may be provided, but also in order to ensure the protection and education of children".

Pope Francis visited Lesbos earlier this month "to shed light on the major humanitarian problem" presented by the refugee crisis.

While there, he greeted hundreds of refugees. "I want to tell you that you are not alone," he told them.

"In these weeks and months, you have endured much suffering in your search for a better life. Many of you felt forced to flee situations of conflict and persecution for the sake, above all, of your children, your little ones."

related articles
Pope to visit Lesbos in bid to 'shed light' on refugee crisis

Pope to visit Lesbos in bid to 'shed light' on refugee crisis

Tears as Pope Francis met Muslim widower of martyred Syrian Christian
Tears as Pope Francis met Muslim widower of martyred Syrian Christian

Tears as Pope Francis met Muslim widower of martyred Syrian Christian

Syrian refugees picked for the Vatican: \'Pope Francis saved our lives\'
Syrian refugees picked for the Vatican: 'Pope Francis saved our lives'

Syrian refugees picked for the Vatican: 'Pope Francis saved our lives'

News
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years

Bethlehem and Jerusalem have ushered in the Christmas season with public celebrations and glittering lights for the first time in two years, marking a poignant moment of hope in cities still grappling with the humanitarian and economic fallout of the Gaza war.

Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 

The Bishop of Winchester has defended the recent decision of the House of Bishops to pause plans to introduce standalone same-sex blessing services. 

Protecting girls and young women in the digital age
Protecting girls and young women in the digital age

It’s a missional priority for us as Christian communities to have open discussions about both the benefits and downsides of being online.

Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford

Richard Turnbull brought an unusual combination of skills to his life’s work. He died on 26 October, aged 65, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.