Pope Francis has warned of a “fall of democracy” in the world

Europe and the rest of the world are experiencing a “decline in democracy”, especially due to populism and “distance from institutions,” Pope Francis warned this Saturday., During his speech to the authorities on the first day of his trip to Greece.

Francis arrived in Athens today from Cyprus, where his first act was The Visit to Honor and Meeting with the President, Katerina Sakelaropul and the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Before recalling that in his speech It should be noted that democracy was born in Greece, “not only on the European continent, but one can not help but notice the decline in democracy today.”.

“When, The dictatorship is quick and the easy promises proposed by the populists are impressive. In various communities, concern for safety and consumerism Fatigue and exhaustion can lead to a kind of democratic skepticism”, The pope lamented.

For the pope, this skepticism about democracy was “caused Distance from companies due to fear of losing identity and bureaucracy“The solution is good policy,” he said.

For this reason, he “must go from discrimination to participation; from a mere commitment to supporting one’s own faction to actively engaging in the promotion of all.”

Faced with challenges such as “climate protection, epidemic, common market and widespread poverty,” Francisco stressed the need. Defending diversity from “excessive nationalist pretensions” And “to place common demands before private interests.”

He wanted it “The spells of authoritarianism can be answered through democracy; Individual indifference is countered by looking after others, the poor and the essential pillars of creation, renewed humanity, which is what our time and our Europe need.

He recalled the recent fires in Greece and the sadness of seeing “how many hundred years old olive trees have been burned in recent years”, so he “stressed it.” The pledges adopted in the fight against climate change are increasingly shared and actively implemented, not just as a front; Let words follow actions, Children will never pay for their parents’ hypocrisy again ”.

On the other hand, the Pope asked one The general policy of emigration to Europe is “torn by nationalist selfishness”.

Greece said, “Characterized by its reception, it has seen a large number of immigrant brothers and sisters arriving on some islands, thus increasing the problems and suffering further from the difficulties it has caused. I get it. The economic crisis.”

But he criticized it, emphasizing “how European delays can be tolerated” “European society, without a train of solidarity, is sometimes blocked and unified by nationalist arrogance.”.

In view of this, he called for a collective vision, community and promotion of the issue of migration. The focus is on those who are most needed to be welcomed, protected, encouraged and integrated with full respect for their human rights and dignity, in line with the potential of each country.”.

Francisco also confirmed that there are more and more people who are forced to flee in search of a home and hope. “They are the heroes of a terrible modern Odyssey” Like Homeric Ulysses.

The Pope travels on Sunday Lesbos Island When he returns to focus on immigration drama five years after his first trip, when he moved to a refugee camp on the island in the midst of an immigration crisis, the current center still has 2,500 people, although conditions have improved.

(With information from EFE)

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