“The fear of people coming with different cultural or religious backgrounds, who may challenge our ‘European way of life’, as well as the fear of populism and of losing elections, cannot be the guiding principles of our asylum and migration policies”, reads the statement on the new Pact on Migration and Asylum released by Brussels-based COMECE. “Instead, we strongly believe that solidarity and the respect for the dignity of every person must be the guiding values of such policies. Europe’s vocation is to work for a more just and fraternal world for all, not only for Europeans”. The bishops added: “These days we will celebrate Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus, who we recognise as the only begotten Son of God, the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. He was laid by his mother Mary in a manger, ‘because there was no place for them in the inn’ (Lk 2:7). ‘Some days after, they had to escape to Egypt to get away from the persecution of Herod’ (Mt 2:13-15). That is why, beyond laws and policies, the Church will always be on the side of the most vulnerable, of those people forced to move in search of a dignified life”. Finally, “may the Nativity of Christ illuminate our minds and move our hearts to take the right decisions for the good of all!”.