Pope Francis Invites Refugees Onto Vatican Stage

The pontiff has urged Europe to welcome migrants with open arms.
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Pope Francis gave a group of refugees more VIP treatment than even the VIP's normally get by inviting them up onto the podium with him during his weekly general audience on Wednesday, June 22.

About a dozen African men holding a banner reading "Refugees for a future together," greeted the pontiff as he descended the popemobile in St. Peter's Square. The pope then walked alongside the group of men up to the central podium, quickly giving instructions to his aides to arrange some kind of seating for them.

The smiling men, who are cared for by a Catholic charity in Florence, then sat down next to the papal chair as the pontiff delivered his general audience.

Pope Francis has been urging Europe to welcome more migrants and recently brought back a group of Syrian refugees on the papal plane after his visit to Lesbos in Greece.

Before You Go

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