Pope advocates amnesty for illegal immigrants

National Catholic Reporter, Oct 23, 1998

Pope John Paul II called on nations to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants within their borders as a concrete gesture of justice and forgiveness during the year 2000.

"It would certainly be a significant gesture if the jubilee's dimension of reconciliation found expression in a form of regularization for a large group of immigrants who, more than others, suffer the drama of precariousness and uncertainty -- the illegals," the pope said.

The pope's suggestion was part of a speech he delivered Oct. 9 to the Vatican-sponsored World Congress on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees. The congress drew more than 470 persons from 103 countries.