PARIS, September 23 French President Emmanuel Macron and the Pope Francis discussed the migration crisis and issues of assisted dying behind closed doors, Agence France-Presse reported on Saturday, citing government sources.
«On Saturday, Emmanuel Macron spoke with Pope Francis not only about the problems of migration, but also about the end of life, presenting him with the «schedule» and «methodology» of the bill that is expected on this second topic «in the coming weeks,» it said in the text.
As noted by those around the president, despite the fact that the pontiff condemned European politicians for “indifference” to the problems of migrants, on this issue “France has nothing to blush about, it is a country of hospitality and integration.” Regarding the euthanasia bill, Macron “did not go into detail about its contents” during the conversation.
“The Holy Father is very sensitive to what France can do,” words from the head of state’s entourage are quoted.
It is noted that the meeting, which lasted about half an hour, was mainly devoted to the international situation, in particular Ukraine, Africa, Nagorno-Karabakh and environmental issues.
Earlier, during the final session of the meeting of Mediterranean bishops on Saturday, the pontiff condemned the indifference of European politicians to the problems of migrants and warned people against the “falsely dignified prospect of a peaceful death, which in reality is saltier than the waters of the sea.”
Pope Francis' two-day visit to Marseille began on Friday, during which he took part in the Catholic initiative «Mediterranean Meetings» and met with French President Emmanuel Macron. On Saturday, the pontiff will hold a mass at the Orange Velodrome stadium, where 60 to 70 thousand people are expected.