Pope calls for unity, decries nationalism

Pope Francis called for a united Europe in an interview published by Italian daily La Stampa on Friday, saying recent political rhetoric has echoed that of Nazi Germany.

“I am concerned because we hear speeches that resemble those of Hitler in 1934,” he said. “‘Us first, we, we.’ These are frightening thoughts.”

It is not the first time the pontiff has made such remarks, but his comments came as Italy’s populist government appeared to be on the verge of collapse.

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, the most powerful politician in Italy, called for parliament to be dissolved and asked President Sergio Mattarella to order snap elections that could make Italy’s government lean even further right in an apparent play for power.

Mr. Salvini, who also serves as interior minister, has hammered home rhetoric that has drawn comparisons to that of President Donald Trump, calling for Italians to put Italy first and launching a crackdown on immigration.

Hehas banned migrant rescue ships from docking in Italy and shut down a massive migrant center in Sicily. Earlier this year, Mr. Salvini accused the captain ofa humanitarian rescue ship of “an act of war” after her ship hit a police boat.

Pope Francis called for migrants to be integrated into society and said nationalism is an “attitude of isolation.” He has repeatedly expressed concern over what he sees as a rising tide of populism.

But if he’s trying to appeal to Mr. Salvini, his calls may not find a receptive audience. Mr. Salvini has openly criticized the pope, tweeting in 2016: “The pope says migrants are not a danger. Whatever!”