BREAKING NEWS

Pope decries 'epidemic of animosity' against immigrants, other faiths

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Saturday said an "epidemic of animosity" against people of other races or religions was hurting the weakest in society, as he struck a note of caution against the rise of populist nationalism.
"We see, for example, how quickly those among us with the status of a stranger, an immigrant, or a refugee, become a threat, take on the status of an enemy," Francis said at a ceremony to induct new cardinals.
"An enemy because they come from a distant country or have different customs. An enemy because of the color of their skin, their language or their social class. An enemy because they think differently or even have a different faith," he said.
While not naming any country, Francis appeared to refer to the anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim attitudes that surfaced during the US campaign and since the election.