Pope Francis has encouraged people in Europe to welcome refugees, calling authentic hospitality "our greatest security against hateful acts of terrorism".
The Pope made the comments while speaking to the alumni of Jesuit schools in Europe who were in Rome for a conference on refugees, at the Vatican.
With the help of Jesuit alumni, the Pope said, "the Church will be able to respond more fully to the human tragedy of refugees through acts of mercy that promote their integration into the European context and beyond".
"I encourage you to welcome refugees into your homes and communities, so that their first experience of Europe is not the traumatic experience of sleeping cold on the streets, but one of warm human welcome," he added.
"Remember that authentic hospitality is a profound gospel value that nurtures love and is our greatest security against hateful acts of terrorism."
As part of the programme of their visit to Rome, the Jesuit alumni were instructed on immigration and refugees by members of the Jesuit Refugee Service, a humanitarian aid group.
