Interviewee on Rai state television on Sunday night, interviewed Francis about personal friendship and about migration issues. The studio is located in Milan. The host interviewed Francis by remote.
Since March 2013, the pontiff has given interviews for foreign and Italian media. This was his first appearance on a talk-show that is watched by millions.
Francis reiterated his conviction that migrants should be accepted and integrated into society in the television interview.
Francis spoke out about the many standoffs that humanitarian ships, which rescue migrants from the Mediterranean traffickers’ unseaworthy boats, face when they try to port permit for days by countries bordering the ocean.
Francis stated that each country must decide how many migrants it can take. He urged more solidarity between nations to help those seeking better lives in Europe. This is an internal political issue.
Fabio Fazio was the interviewer. He mentioned tensions in Europe about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Francis did not respond directly to the question, but said that “war is always destruction.”
The hour-long interview with Che Tempo Che Fa (what is the weather like) had some lighter moments.
Francis answered a question about his recent trip to a record shop in Rome. He said he enjoys classical music as well as tango numbers like many of his fellow Argentines from Buenos Aires. Francis joked that someone who doesn’t dance tango isn’t from Buenos Aires.
He remembered that he was a young boy who thought about becoming an butcher because the local butcher had a belt with money in it.
Francis was asked if he feels alone or if it is if his friends are there. He replied that he does have friends and that he has them.
Francis ends most of his public comments by saying, “Don’t forget about me.”