Pope Francis Hopes Afghan Refugees Are Accepted By Countries Around The World

Illustration of the evacuation of Afghans at Kabul airport. (Twitter/@DeptofDefense)

JAKARTA - World Catholic Church leader Pope Francis prays and hopes that countries around the world accept Afghan refugees, praying for them to have a better life.

Pope Francis said he prayed that many countries would accept Afghan refugees and, in a clear reference to past Taliban restrictions on schools for girls, said it was important that Afghan youth receive an education.

"In these times of turbulence, where Afghans seek refuge, I pray for the most vulnerable among them," Pope Francis told hundreds of people in St Peter's Square for his weekly blessing.

"I pray that many countries welcome them and protect those who are seeking a new life," continued the Pope, who is known as a strong figure for the rights of refugees and migrants.

Thousands of Afghans evacuated by the United States are waiting at so-called transit hubs in countries from Qatar, Germany to Italy. Thousands more try to go via land crossings with neighboring countries such as Pakistan.

"I also pray for the internally displaced people that they receive the help and protection they need. May young Afghans receive education, which is an essential good for human development," Pope Francis hoped.

To note, the Taliban managed to enter the capital Kabul, took over the government and forced President Ashraf Ghani to leave the country on August 15 last. Thousands of Afghans joined the army and foreign missions out of the country with a deadline of 31 August.

The last time the Taliban militants were in power in Afghanistan, women were not allowed to work and girls were unable to attend school.