The bishops of the Mediterranean region have been meeting this week in Bari, Italy, discussing ways to promote peace and share the Gospel in a part of the world beset with many problems, including huge numbers of refugees. On Sunday, February 23, 2020, the bishops received Pope Francis, who emphasized the importance of their discussions and the actions that can result. "For our part, brothers, let us speak out to demand that government leaders protect minorities and religious freedom.," the Pope told the bishops during a meeting in the Basilica of St. Nicholas. "The persecution experienced above all � but not only � by Christian communities is a heart-rending fact that cannot leave us indifferent."

The Holy Father noted that despite the transition to the digital age and globalization