Thread: Vatican cardinal says U.S.-Mexico fence "inhuman"

Why can't they mind their own business?

By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - A senior Vatican cardinal on Tuesday condemned the building of walls between countries to keep out immigrants and said Washington's plan to build a fence on the U.S.-Mexican border was part of an "inhuman program".

Cardinal Renato Martino made his comments at a news conference presenting Pope Benedict's message for the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Migrants and Refugees, in which the Pope called for more laws to help immigrants integrate.

"Speaking of borders, I must unfortunately say that in a world that greeted the fall of the Berlin Wall with joy, new walls are being built between neighborhood and neighborhood, city and city, nation and nation," said Martino, head of the Vatican's Council for Justice and Peace.


President Bush signed legislation last month approving the construction of a 700-mile (1,100-km) fence -- a move that angered Mexico's government.

Bush defends the fence as necessary to tighten control of the border to keep criminals and terrorists out. Thousands of poor Mexicans risk their lives each year sneaking across the 2,000-mile (3,200-km) border to seek jobs.

WRONG

Asked if the U.S.-Mexican fence was the wrong thing to do, Martino said: "Yes, that's exactly what it is."

Martino praised Mexican and U.S. bishops for opposing what he called "an inhuman program, which is what the construction of that wall and all others is".

Israel is building a barrier comprised of concrete and razor-topped steel fences along and inside the occupied West Bank. It says the barrier, which is about half-finished, stops suicide bombers. Palestinians call it a land grab that will deny them the viable state they seek in the West Bank and Gaza.

Saudi Arabia said it would start work next year on a security fence along its border with Iraq to stop Islamic militants entering the country.

In his message for the Church's World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Pope called for more laws to help immigrants better integrate in their new countries.

"Much is already being done for the integration of the families of immigrants, although much still remains to be done," he said. "(But) it is necessary to provide for legislative, juridical and social intervention to facilitate such an integration."


Integration of immigrants is a big political issue in a number of European countries.

The question of whether Europe is doing enough to integrate Muslims into society has been urgently addressed by governments across the continent since the London attacks of July 2005 when British-born Muslim suicide bombers killed 52 people.

Tensions remain high in Paris's run-down suburbs, where poor job prospects, racial discrimination, a widespread sense of alienation from mainstream society and perceived hostile policing touched off a wave of riots in October 2005.

The Pope also called for more protection for women immigrants who end up as victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution.

http://link.toolbot.com/reuters.com/23001

Its very easy to set back in a refined office in the serene atmosphere of the vatican and make judgements about something he has NEVER experienced.

I've got a suggestion for the good cardinal. Move his headquarters for justice and peace to the border for one year and experience first hand the "justice and peace' of the border between our nation and Mexico.

Perhaps he might consider inviting the drug runners, people traffickers and general batch of perverts in for a cup of tea and a hefty dose of redemption. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Why don't they speak out against the unfair distribution of wealth and resources in Mexico, women's rights abuse of rape, which is 99 percent of the time not prosecuted?! I think they should research the ills of Mexico before they start pointing any fingers!

Last I checked, Vatican City was a walled city.



Cardinal Martino, TEAR DOWN THAT WALL!



Damned hypocrites!

Originally Posted by xanadu

Its very easy to set back in a refined office in the serene atmosphere of the vatican and make judgements about something he has NEVER experienced.

I've got a suggestion for the good cardinal. Move his headquarters for justice and peace to the border for one year and experience first hand the "justice and peace' of the border between our nation and Mexico.

Perhaps he might consider inviting the drug runners, people traffickers and general batch of perverts in for a cup of tea and a hefty dose of redemption. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I'll bet you a million dollars the Vatican, doesn't permit illegal aliens !
I'm Catholic, but the Church and many Bishops are just "nuts" in regard to illegal immigration. I do support helping people with food and medical care if an emergency develops, but then send them home.

It does little good to complain to "the Church". So, I with hold financial assistance from misguided causes.

POINT well made as always Crocket

Last I checked, Vatican City was a walled city.



Cardinal Martino, TEAR DOWN THAT WALL!

Inhuman?? give me a break!!

IT IS INHUMAN TO DO NOTHING AGAINST THE PRIESTS THAT HAVE BEEN ABUSING CHILDREN AND CHILD MOLESTERS HAVE BEEN PROTECTED BY THE VATICAN.

If you are concerned about your citizens, why dont you bring them to the vatican, Padre??? Or maybe you are as part of the problem as the mexican government is.[/b]

Between 848 and 852 Leo IV surrounded the whole settlement with a wall, which included it within the city boundaries.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15276b.htm

Last I checked, Vatican City was a walled city.



Cardinal Martino, TEAR DOWN THAT WALL!

Uhhhhh, Mr Pope, Your Holy Dudeness, ever heard of the
Gates of Vienna?

Cardinal Renato Martino made his comments at a news conference presenting Pope Benedict's message for the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Migrants and Refugees, in which the Pope called for more laws to help immigrants integrate

UH OHHHHHHHHHH

Said the PEDOPHILE LOVERS to the American people

Ya gotta be kidding............and ya wonder why I refuse to step foot in the church?

How about we send all these "good catholic hispanics" {that's a joke} to YOUR Walled City?

.