Pope "welcoming migrants and integrating them into society"

During a meeting with missionaries at the Vatican on the 28th local time, Pope Francis said migrants should be welcomed and integrated into society.

"We must welcome, accompany, promote and unite migrants who have fled poverty, injustice and war," the pope said.

"Many countries today need migrants. There are no children in Italy. The average age is 46 years old, he said. "Aging developed countries need migrants. We have to tell this truth," he stressed.

The pope also explained, "Those who have left their hometowns in search of a better life do not succumb to despair, and their determination from their love for the families left behind teaches us a lot."