Pope denounces Italy anti-immigrant clashes, says immigrants have rights, are loved by God

Pope denounces Italy anti-immigrant clashes

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI has denounced riots between immigrants and Italians in southern Italy and says migrants have rights and are equally loved by God.

Benedict issued the admonition Sunday at the end of his traditional noon blessing.

The pope said immigrants were looking for a better life in a country that needs them, yet they run the risk of exploitation because of their status. He invited all to “look in the face of others and discover that there is a soul, a history, a life, a person who God loves as he loves me.”

At least three dozen people were hurt in two days of riots in the southern Calabrian town of Rosarno. Hundreds of migrant workers rampaged after two migrants were wounded in a shooting.