What emerged on migrations?
We bishops of North Africa want to draw attention to the suffering of migrants: the journey to Europe is marked by suffering, abuses, violence of all kinds. It is a Calvary for thousands of people. We denounce the failure to respect the human rights of this immense humanity supported by their hope of a better future and prostrated by suffering.
In your countries, how is the assistance to migrants structured?
The Church takes care of migrants with numerous initiatives. In Morocco we have allocated 1.5 million euros and launched the multi-annual "Kantara" (Bridge) program that assists thousands of migrants thanks to the commitment of doctors, psychologists, educators, teachers, cultural mediators: we guarantee medical and psychological assistance, school education to minors, vocational training, insertion into the world of work.
What feelings does the attitude and behaviour of Europe give you?
Indignation and sadness, because the choices of governments reveal an attitude towards selfishness, and because many faithful cannot see the face of Christ in these suffering brothers.
What are your resolutions for the Church in North Africa?
We do not want to be isolated communities, nor take care only of the few Catholics present (all foreigners): we want to be a Church fully incarnated in the territory, to encourage dialogue with Muslims and the evolution of these societies towards religious pluralism and freedom of conscience. And for this we need to improve the formation of priests and pastoral workers.
What feature will the beatification of the 19 martyrs of Algeria, next December 8, have?
This beatification is not celebrated against Muslims, but, in a certain way, together with those who have been hit by terrorism: it must be remembered that in addition to the 19 Christian martyrs, a hundred imams were killed who did not bless the violence of the fundamentalists. The clash is not between Muslims and Christians, but between peace and violence.
Did the Pope's Letter on abuse lead you to take special initiatives?
Yes, we have decided to set up in every diocese, or at least in every country, a commission ready both to listen to the victims who may present themselves in the future, and to investigate cases of denunciation. This new initiative will be flanked by the commitment already made to create safe environments for minors.
