VIDEO | Migrants, Monsignor Nappa: “The numbers speak clearly, we need them”

According to Confindustria, 120 thousand foreign workers are needed each year

PESCARA – The numbers speak clearly, we need migrants: words of Monsignor Emilio Nappa, president of the Pontifical Missionary Works (Pom), interviewed by the Dire agency in Pescara, on the sidelines of the G7 ministerial work dedicated to “development”. Both Africa and Italy are discussed at the Prefecture. “The numbers speak clearly, we are the second country with the lowest birth rate” Monsignor Nappa highlights. “What do these people eat, perhaps sand? They are pushing towards Europe: let’s try to ensure that, with respect for dignity, development and human freedom, they can access in a regulated manner”. According to the president of the Pom, in fact, “we need them”. In recent days, in the midst of the political conflict over Italy’s agreement to transfer migrants to Albania, a study by Confindustria estimated that the national need for 120,000 new foreign workers per year is needed to at least maintain current levels of industrial production. Monsignor Nappa also refers to this research and to the controversy over the Jubilee construction sites in Rome. “Around the Vatican we do not have young Italian workers with arms and above all the will to work” underlines the president of the Pom. “We just don’t have people to do it.”

PIANO MATTEI. MONSIGNOR NAPPA: AFRICA’S FIRST NEED IS SCHOOL

International commitment to Africa should start with schools: Monsignor Emilio Nappa, president of the Pontifical Missionary Works (PMOS), is convinced of this, with respect to the most pressing needs for investment in the countries of the continent. “First of all, we must invest in education,” underlines Monsignor Nappa, answering a question about the Mattei Plan, the Italian government initiative that promises “equal” cooperation and a “non-predatory” approach with Africa. “Only after the basic principles, such as eating, drinking and taking care of oneself, have been satisfied, must people be made aware and therefore taught self-determination and freedom.” The Pontifical Missionary Works are a Vatican institution whose primary task is evangelization. Today they are present in 123 countries around the world. Monsignor Nappa again: “The mission of the PMS is to bring the Gospel where it is not present or where it has been forgotten; and the Gospel can only be brought after primary needs are satisfied.” The president explains: “You cannot listen to the Gospel if there are no pews, a church or a school, and if the right to healthcare is not guaranteed.” Monsignor Nappa adds: “We cooperate to create the context for evangelization to spread, for the human and the Christianized human; this is the vision of the Church, to promote, recognize and defend human dignity everywhere.”