French far-right leader slams pope's call for more humane approach to migration

PARIS (AA) – The leader of a far-right French party has slammed Pope Francis’ emphasis on a more humane and understanding approach towards irregular migrants during a weekend trip to southern France.

“He is Argentinian and he isn't aware of the problem of immigration today in Europe, which is destabilizing European societies," Jordan Bardella, head of the National Rally, said in an interview with major private broadcaster BFMTV posted late Sunday.

Calling Francis' remarks political, he added that he preferred “the wisdom of his predecessor Benedict XVI, who declared that states have the right to regulate migratory flows."

In a visit on Saturday to Marseille – a southern port city with a large migrant population – Francis said it is the duty of humanity and civilization to address the tragedies of migration.

"We cannot be resigned to seeing human beings treated as bargaining chips, imprisoned and tortured in atrocious ways; we can no longer watch the drama of shipwrecks, caused by the cruel trafficking and the fanaticism of indifference,” the pontiff said.