Auschwitz survivors from many countries in the International Auschwitz Committee are impressed and deeply moved by the journey Pope Francis has made to the refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos.

In particular, when the Pope stressed that each and every refugee carries their own individual and unique life story as they flee, and that each has a right to protection and care, it reminded the Auschwitz survivors of their own agonising life stories. They empathise with the refugees.

During a stay at the Auschwitz Memorial, Christoph Heubner, the Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee, said:

“The Pope’s journey to the refugees on Lesbos is taking place at a dramatic moment in time. His words should make all those people redden with shame who want Europe to freeze up within its borders and simply watch as the refugees they helplessly despair at these frontiers. In July Pope Francis will be visiting Auschwitz. On that day the survivors will be joining him in prayer for the refugees and for a humane Europe.”