Three refugee families return with Pope to Rome

This afternoon, at the conclusion of his visit to Lesvos, shortly before the departure of the papal aircraft from the airport in Mytilene for the return flight to Rome, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ released a statement to journalists.

Statement issued by Father Federico Lombardi, SJ

Director of the Holy See Press Office

The Pope has desired to make a gesture of welcome regarding refugees,by inviting three families of refugees from Syria, 12 people in all, including 6 children, to accompany him on his return flight to Rome.  These are all people who were already in camps in Lesbos before the agreement between the European Union and Turkey entered into effect.

The Pope’s initiative was brought to fruition through negotiations carried out by the Secretariat of State with the competent Greek and Italian authorities.

All the members of the three families are Muslims. Two families come from Damascus, and one from Deir Azzor (in the area occupied by Daesh). Their homes had been bombed.

The Vatican will take responsibility for bringing in and maintaining the three families. The initial hospitality will be taken care of by the Community of Sant’Egidio.