Island overcome by a ‘tsunami of racism’

A “tsunami of racism” overcame Malta last week, according to Fr Joe Borg who used his Sunday Mass homily to remind his con­gregation of Pope Francis’s message of tolerance and solidarity towards immigrants. “Today, instead of delivering a homily, I will read out the homily that the Pope gave during his visit to Lampedusa just last Monday. Let’s ask for forgiveness for any feelings of racism towards our neighbours and for any indifference to their plight,” Fr Borg told those hearing Mass at St Joseph the Worker church in Birkirkara yesterday. During the open-air Mass celebrated in Lampedusa – a Sicilian island inundated by the landing of irregular immigrants – the Pope called on people to rediscover compassion. The “culture of comfort” had led to a situation of “global indifference” and people had become insensitive to others’ plight, the Pope said. Fr Borg and several other priests across the island took the initiative to ensure their congregation heard the Pope’s strong words. This fit in perfectly with yesterday’s Gospel that told the story of the Good Samaritan, which the Pope referred to in his homily. “Last week, we had a tsunami of racism and hatred that, ironically, came...