Rome, 23 August (LaPresse) – ‘The renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign and has symbolic force on the international scene: all peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, in particular the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.’ These were the words of Pope Leo XIV, receiving the delegation of the Chagos Refugees Group from Port Louis, Mauritius, in audience this morning. "I now express the hope that the authorities of Mauritius and also the international community will commit themselves to ensuring that your return, after 60 years, takes place in the best possible conditions. The local Church will not fail to make its contribution, especially spiritual, as it has always done in times of trial. These years of exile have caused you much suffering. You have experienced poverty, contempt and exclusion. May the Lord, in the hope of a better future, heal your wounds and grant you the grace to forgive those who have wronged you. I invite you to look resolutely to the future," added the Pontiff.