Pope praises Colombia on Venezuelan migrants' policy

Pope Francis expressed gratitude on Sunday to all those who have shown compassion for migrants and praised Colombia for its recent decision to grant protection to Venezuelans who fled their homeland's economic hardships.

"I always look with gratitude at the efforts of those who work together on behalf of migrants," Francis said in remarks to the public in St. Peter's Square.

Francis added he wanted to join Colombia's bishops in expressing recognition for the country's decision, which he said would allow Venezuelans to enjoy welcome, protection and integration.The 10-year protection statute announced by Colombia's president last week will give 1.8 million Venezuelans now living in Colombia permission to stay and the possibility to apply for permanent residency.Venezuelan migrants hope the measure will make it easier to obtain work and access social services.

That would especially benefit 1 million undocumented Venezuelans who fled their homeland's food shortages, hyperinflation and the lowest wages in the Western Hemisphere.A native Argentine, Francis noted that Colombia "isn't a very rich country" but one with its own "problems of development, poverty and peace, nearly 70 years of guerrilla warfare.''

Still, Colombia, he said, had the "courage" to act to try to improve the Venezuelans' plight.

"Thanks to Colombia, thanks!," said Francis.

According to the United Nations, there are currently more than 5.5 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees around the world.