Portacomaro, in the province of Asti, the homeland of Pope Bergoglio's family, does not want a reception facility for young migrants. The cooperative that brought the first center intended for "unaccompanied minor migrants" to the Asti area was going to create a second reception facility here in the old center, inside a building that had formerly held a hotel and a magnificent restaurant, currently closed. However, they did not like the proposal. "Right there, in the center of Portacomaro? It is preferable to have another location for migrants." Citizens are in disarray. The mayor and councillor persuaded the Prefecture to oppose the project. "Look for a location elsewhere. Does Portacomaro say no to migrants? We are extremely welcoming and supportive," says Mayor Alessandro Balliano. "But the project came up unexpectedly, leaving us all startled. These procedures must be shared with the region and the people". In Italy, there is an urgent need for beds for unaccompanied minors. The statistics of landings indicate that the number of adolescent boys aged 14 to 16 is increasing. And promiscuity with adults in receiving centers causes contrasts and leads to conflict. Finding solutions, however, is difficult, even in Pope Francis' own country.
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