On Monday, Francis spoke to an audience of 7000 people from these communities at the Vatican in a so-called "World Pilgrimage of Gypsy People".

The event marked the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI's meeting with Roma people in an informal settlement near Rome.

Pope Francis spoke out against racism, prejudice and xenophobia with regard to Roma and Sinti, and this was praised by commentators.

But Roma community writer Jud Nirenberg noted that many Roma people found parts of the speech problematic.

Nirenberg wrote that that the general papal message was mixed with stereotyping and a view that blames Roma for their own poverty and alienation.

The Pontiff implored the audience to be good Christians, "avoiding all that is not worthy of this name: lies, frauds, swindles, altercations".

"One does not win over an audience by calling the audience liars or thieves," Nirenberg wrote.

"For Roma, being seen collectively in such a light is all too familiar."

Disquiet was also expressed at comments by the Pope that seemed to blame some Roma for not sending their children to school.

Nirenberg wrote that this statement revealed a lack of research and awareness.

"The EU and UN have criticised several European states for failing to end segregated schooling for Roma; in the countries with the largest Roma communities, even many supposedly ‘integrated' schools move Roma into separate classrooms.

"The Pope seemed to believe that the Roma community's low educational attainment is a choice."

The Vatican dubbing the event a "gypsy pilgrimage" was also criticised - as many Roma and Sinti find the label "gypsy" discriminatory.

Academic Dr Nando Sigona said the narrow image of Roma and Sinti portrayed in the speech - poor, illiterate and inclined to petty crime - was surprising as many who attended the Vatican event were highly educated.

Sources

• The Local.IT
• Full text of Pope's address to Roma and Sinti peoples
• Image: NDTV