Refusing migrants is a ‘grave sin’ says Pope Francis from inside his walled fortress
VATICAN CITY – Speaking from the safety of the Vatican’s towering walls, Pope Francis delivered a powerful sermon this week, declaring that refusing migrants is a “grave sin” and urging the world to open its borders with the same spirit of hospitality demonstrated by the Church’s medieval fortress.
“Turning away those in need, especially migrants, is a moral failing that cannot be ignored,” the Pope announced from his balcony, overlooking the Vatican’s lush, well-guarded gardens. “We must welcome all with open arms, just as this sacred city has welcomed countless faithful visitors—after they’ve passed through our strict security checks and been properly vetted, of course.”
The Pope’s remarks were met with applause from the small crowd below, who had each passed through a rigorous process of metal detectors, pat-downs, and passport inspections before entering the hallowed grounds.
“Walls are evil. Of course, our walls are different,” he said.
As he spoke, Swiss Guards clad in traditional uniforms patrolled the perimeter, ensuring that no one breached the sacred walls without permission. Meanwhile, hundreds of undocumented migrants outside the Vatican looked on longingly, wondering how they might gain access to the Pope’s infinite mercy—or at least a peek inside.
“We are called to love our neighbors,” the Pope reminded the world, “whether they live next door or thousands of miles away. Just don’t expect them to move in next door to me.”
The Pontiff’s sermon also touched on the importance of sharing resources, stressing that “true charity knows no bounds,” except, of course, for the Vatican’s carefully monitored border, which remains firmly closed to uninvited guests.
In a display of solidarity with the world’s displaced, the Pope pledged to personally lead by example. “I will be opening the Vatican’s gates to a select few migrants,” he announced. “They will be allowed to enter during the weekly guided tours, for a small fee, and will be encouraged to take as many pictures as they like before being politely escorted back out.”
As the sermon concluded, the Pope retreated into the opulent Apostolic Palace, passing through several layers of locked doors and private guards. In his final message, delivered via a pre-recorded video, he urged the faithful to “tear down the walls that divide us” while standing in front of a richly decorated fresco depicting the Vatican’s most famous landmark—its impenetrable wall.
The Pope’s message has resonated across the globe, sparking debates on whether the world should take a cue from the Vatican’s model of compassion, which combines a heartfelt call for open borders with a practical commitment to keeping them firmly closed.
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