Pope Francis calls on every European parish to host a refugee family...

Pope Francis has called on every European parish to host one refugee family each in a goodwill gesture that will begin in the Vatican state. It comes as Europe faces the worst refugee crisis since World War II.

"I appeal to the parishes, the religious communities, the monasteries and sanctuaries of all Europe to take in one family of refugees," Pope Francis said after his Sunday address.

He added that it is not enough to say “have courage, hang in there” to the refugees making the dangerous journey into Europe.

he pontiff, whose comments were met with applause from the crowd in St. Peter's Square, also said that two parishes in the Vatican will each take in a family of refugees in the coming days.

Francis said the call to action is a "concrete gesture" to prepare for the extraordinary Holy Year on the theme of mercy, which will begin on December 8. Full story...

Related posts:

1. Austrian far-right leader blames U.S., NATO for migrant crisis...
2. Putin slams US over refugee crisis in Europe...
3. Wealthy Gulf nations are criticized for tepid response to Syrian refugee crisis...
4. The Arab world’s wealthiest nations are doing next to nothing for Syria’s refugees...
5. Hundreds of Brits pledging to create a safe haven for Syrian refugees
6. Meet the Turkish couple who spent their wedding day feeding 4,000 Syrian refugees...
7. More than 11,000 Icelanders offer to house Syrian refugees to help...
8. Why Austrians are opening their homes to refugees...