Rome, Sep 29 (IANS/AKI) Barriers like razor-wire erected by Hungary on its border with Serbia in a bid to keep out migrants are not sustainable, Pope Francis has said.
"You know how walls finish up," Francis said. "All walls collapse -- today, tomorrow or after 100 years. Walls are not the solution. The problem remains, but with more hate."
Hungary, which has registered more than 220,000 asylum-seekers this year amid Europe's biggest migration crisis since World War II, is building a four-metre high fence along its 175 kms border with Serbia and barriers on parts of its border with Croatia and Romania, drawing sharp criticism from the EU.
During his five-day visit to the US last week, Francis urged a humane response to migration, both from Central America and war-wracked countries such as Syria.
"We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation," he told the US Congress.
"Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated,'" Francis said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
