German Catholic Church Calls for Fewer Refugees

The German Catholic church has asked for a reduction in the number of refugees entering the country on Saturday.

“As a church we say that we need a reduction in the number of refugees,” Cardinal Reinhard Marx, chairman of the German bishops’ conference, said in an interview with a German newspaper on Saturday, according to The Guardian.

Marx said Germany cannot “take in all the world’s needy” and encouraged leaders to solve the refugee problem with reason as much as charity.

The message somewhat counters Pope Francis’ call for mercy amid the migrant crisis. The Pope celebrated a day devoted to migrants and refugees last month and previously urged Catholic parishes to take in refugees.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has adopted a tolerant refugee policy, which has been met with immigration protests by some who argue refugees are a danger to the country.