In his encyclical “All brothers”, Pope Francis believes that we are obliged to “respect the right of all individuals to find a place that meets their basic needs and the needs of their families and where they can find their personal fulfilment”. This means we should not only accept but also support mass migrations of the Third World to Western Countries. The Pope further writes in the encyclical that some migrants flee wars, persecution, and catastrophes, whereas others seek opportunities for themselves and their families. They are dreaming of a better future and wanting to create conditions to achieve it, for which they have every right.
Undoubtedly very sublime yet mildly said thoughtless words. Let’s leave aside the fact that the words in the encyclical do not apply to all individuals, as they already in principal deny the right of those individuals who have already found a place that “suits their needs” and have created the conditions for a better future which they can enjoy undisturbed. The call from the encyclical is unrealistic because adhering to it would mean that around 5 billion Asians and Africans could move to Europe tomorrow, as they have “every right” to do so. In fact, the whole world can move to the three or four economically most developed and socially most irritable countries, and seek “personal fulfilment” there. The call from the encyclical leads to a catastrophe, to chaotic situation of unimaginable proportions. In situations where the words of our Lord Jesus will be most relevant: “and let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” (Lk 22:36).