Pope Francis urges countries to open doors for Afghan refugees

Vatican City, Sep 5 (EFE).- Pope Francis on Sunday called on countries to welcome refugees from Afghanistan.

After delivering the Angelus prayer in St. Peters Square, the pontiff prayed for Afghans, whose country has been recently taken over by the Taliban, to find dignity and peace.

“In these troubled times that see Afghans seeking refuge, I pray for the most vulnerable among them. I pray that many countries will welcome and protect those seeking a new life,” Francis said.

He also prayed for those internally displaced to get the assistance and protection they need.

“May young Afghans receive education, an essential good for human development, and may all Afghans, whether at home, in transit, or in host countries, live with dignity, in peace and fraternity with their neighbors,” he added.

Kabul airport, paralyzed since the Taliban’s seizure of power on August 15, resumed domestic flights Saturday.

The airport only operated evacuation flights until August 30, when the last US soldiers withdrew from Afghanistan, marking the end of the US-led military mission after nearly two decades.EFE

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