Pope Francis has made a strong statement against the mistreatment of migrants who risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. During his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on August 28, 2024, the Pope expressed deep concern about the actions of those who intentionally deny assistance to migrant vessels. He labeled this behavior as a “grave sin,” especially when done knowingly and with a sense of responsibility. His words emphasized the seriousness of the issue, describing it using Catholic terms for one of the most severe sins.
The Pope has consistently spoken about the plight of migrants throughout his 11-year papacy. However, his recent remarks were particularly forceful, as he used the phrase “grave sin” to highlight the moral weight of refusing help to migrants in need. Many of these migrants journey across the Mediterranean Sea in fragile boats or makeshift rafts, fleeing from conflict and hardship in northern Africa and the Middle East. The issue of migration has been a topic of intense debate across Europe for many years. Since 2014, the International Organization for Migration estimates that over 30,000 migrants have gone missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
In a related incident, a rescue ship run by the charity Doctors Without Borders was detained by Italian authorities on Monday for 60 days. The ship had conducted several rescue missions on August 23 but was accused of failing to properly report its movements. Doctors Without Borders denied these allegations, stating they were only performing their legal duty to save lives and should not be punished for fulfilling this obligation.
Pope Francis urged for the creation of more accessible routes for migrants and called for a “global governance of migration based on justice, brotherhood, and solidarity.” He stressed that the current situation would not be solved through “militarization of borders” but through more compassionate and fair approaches. His comments come at a time when the Pope had been reflecting on Catholic spiritual teachings during his weekly audiences. However, he chose to pause this series to focus on the urgent issue of migration, highlighting the human suffering of those who cross seas and deserts in search of peace and security.
This audience was the final one before Pope Francis embarks on a significant journey across Southeast Asia from September 2 to 13. Despite his age and health challenges, the Pope continues to advocate for vulnerable communities around the world.