Illegal Immigrants: Pope calls on Italians s to respect the rights of illegal immigrants

ABC Radio Australia - The Pope has called on Italians to respect the rights of illegal immigrants after a series of clashes between locals and African workers.

Hundreds of African farm workers have been evacuated after pitched battles with local Italians in the town of Rosarno in the south of the country.

Pope Benedict called for Italians to respect the rights and responsibilities of the migrants, saying violence was never a means to solve difficulties.

He condemned the clashes and called for respect on both sides.

"An immigrant is a human being, different only in where he comes from, his culture and tradition," he said.

"He is a person to respect, and with rights and responsibilities, and should be respected particularly in the working world, where there is temptation to exploit."

Published by i On Global Trends - Mike Hitchen Online - news, opinion, analysis
See also Sydney Irresistible and Mike Hitchen Unleashed
Putting principles before profits