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At the Vatican, Thursday, December 19, Pope Francis inaugurated a resin crucifix on which appears a life jacket, symbol of the death of many migrants in the Mediterranean. This gesture provoked wild reactions from some Catholics on social networks.
With our Vatican correspondent, Éric Sénanque
On the large crucifix, a red life jacket was trapped under a transparent resin below these words: " recovered adrift in the central Mediterranean on July 3, 2019 " and the precise GPS coordinates of the sinking.
This cross was unveiled on Thursday December 19 during a meeting between Pope Francis and a group of migrants from Lesbos. She now sits in one of the corridors of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, but not everyone has liked it.
Unleashing Hate
Some Catholics are unleashed on social networks: " Idolatry ", " denaturation of the Cross ". Insulting comments by identity Catholics flourished after the unveiling of this unorthodox crucifix, when it was not a question of direct attacks against Pope Francis, accused of encouraging a migratory invasion.
I decided to display this life jacket, "crucified", to remind everyone of the imperative commitment to save all human life, because the life of each person is precious in the eyes of God. The Lord will call us to account at the hour of judgment. https://t.co/Fnp5deccIL pic.twitter.com/HmGRYBOyrG
Pope Francis (@Pontifex_en) December 20, 2019But the sovereign pontiff did not allow himself to be reached by these controversial attacks. On the contrary, he hit the nail on the head, urging "to save migrants " and recalling the dignity of those people who die drowned.
In his mind, this cross wants to challenge consciences, " to remind everyone of the inescapable commitment to save each human life, a moral duty that unites believers and non-believers " he specified.
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