Pope Francis has compared populist politicians with leader of the Third Reich Adolf Hitler, and called on European countries to continue to receive refugees, according to Italy's ANSA news website.
Speaking at the presentation of a book about the wisdom of the older generation in the Vatican, he underscored the importance of telling the younger generation about the history of the world wars "so that they do not fall into the same mistake and know how populism spreads."
READ MORE: Pope Francis Alone Cannot Restore Trust in Catholic Church — Professor
"I think of Hitler last century, who had promised the development of Germany. That we know how populism starts: by sowing hate. You can't live sowing hate," Francis underscored.
Responding to a woman voicing her concern over an increase in anti-migrant sentiment in Europe, the Pontiff cited the Bible as saying that the refugees should be welcomed.
It is "important for all of Europe to strike a deal on this problem", he pointed out, calling on the governments of the EU countries to reach a consensus on migration limits.
READ MORE: 'Ashamed' — Pope Francis Decries Global Unrest in Good Friday Prayer
Twitter users remained at odds over the Pontiff's remarks as some said that "His Holiness was right on the point, while others urged him to stay focused solely on his own work.
#PopeFrancis claimed that #populism starts by sowing hate (!) and leads to…Hitler (!). Similarly one could argue that Christianity sows fanaticism and leads to the Dark Ages and the Inquisition! But that would be unfair, wouldn't it? / #farright #Popehttps://t.co/LvBEHIoWRD
— Ioannis E Kolovos (@ioannisekolovos) 24 октября 2018 г.
Unfortunately, Internet culture has conditioned us, very effectively, to think of "mentioning Hitler" as "losing the argument". This idea, sown and nurtured over years, has taken firm root. Many people now jeer and dismiss the exact warnings WW2 was supposed to have taught us.
— Vespine Elegy (@vespelegy) 24 октября 2018 г.
Why dont you open up the Vatican and house some migrants
— JF Welsh (@jfwelsh16) 24 октября 2018 г.
Make The Pope Great Again
— Violet Sunset (@IvyFoliage) 24 октября 2018 г.
PioXII the Pope wasn’t against Hitler or killing Jews. Still now we can hear the sound of silence.
— Sergio Gancz (@sgancz) 24 октября 2018 г.
Popeulism's okay but.
— Joe Eagl🦂 (@JoeEagl) 24 октября 2018 г.
Needs to mind his own business & excommunicate any/all Molesting Priests!
His Holiness is right on point.
— Ben Zubes (@benzubes) 24 октября 2018 г.
Of course he'd say that, he's a communist!
— Boudica Oak (@BoudicaOak) 24 октября 2018 г.
In January 2017, Pope Francis compared the current populist movement in Europe with the political climate there in the 1930s, which he argued led to Hitler’s rise to power in Germany at the time.
