Pope Francis has praised as “blessed” people who take in asylum seekers, as he celebrated Mass with thousands of followers during his visit to Sweden.<br /><br /> His comments in a football stadium in Malmo held special symbolism: the city has become a gateway for immigrants who have fled wars in the Middle East.<br /><br /> Sweden’s small Catholic community has grown, largely thanks to many refugees and migrants among its ranks.<br /><br /> Citing Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”, Francis highlighted those who renounce their own comfort in order to help others.<br /><br /> The country, which is largely secular, accepted tens of thousands of asylum seekers last year, in contrast to many other European nations.<br /><br /> However strains on the welfare system, as well as reports of crime committed by some newcomers, have prompted doubts among many Swedes.<br /><br /> The main purpose of the pope’s two-day trip was to take part in a joint commemoration with Lutherans on the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation.<br />
