Pope Leo has called on European leaders to adopt stronger and more compassionate migration policies, urging countries across the continent to do more to protect, support, and integrate migrants arriving in Europe.
The Pope appealed during a visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, one of the main entry points for migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa. The island has become a symbol of Europe’s migration challenge, receiving thousands of people who make the dangerous journey from countries such as Libya and Tunisia in search of safety and better opportunities.
Speaking to a gathering of worshippers, Pope Leo said Europe can respond to migration comprehensively and humanely. He stressed that emergency humanitarian assistance should be combined with long-term policies that focus on welcoming, protecting, supporting, and integrating migrants into society.
The Pope also said European countries should work more closely with developing nations to improve living conditions and create opportunities so that fewer people are forced to leave their homes because of poverty, conflict, or instability.
During his visit, Pope Leo prayed at a cemetery for migrants who died attempting to cross the Mediterranean, met newly arrived migrants at Lampedusa’s port, and celebrated Mass on the island. He also thanked the local fishing and tourism communities for showing solidarity and compassion toward migrants despite the challenges faced by the small island.
According to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), more than 14,000 migrants arrived in Italy during the first half of the year, with nearly 60 percent landing on Lampedusa. Most of those who reached Italy departed from Libya, one of the main departure points for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
The Pope also used the occasion to address migration in the United States. Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, he sent a message encouraging Americans to welcome and protect immigrants. He said caring for migrants reflects the Catholic commitment to protecting human dignity and supporting vulnerable people.
In his message, Pope Leo said receiving immigrants with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human being. He added that immigration has played an important role in shaping the history and identity of the United States.
His comments follow previous criticism of strict immigration policies. Last year, Pope Leo publicly described some hardline immigration measures as inhumane and recently praised the contributions of successive generations of immigrants in building the United States into a nation known around the world for freedom and opportunity.
Why did Pope Leo visit Lampedusa?
Pope Leo visited Lampedusa to highlight the humanitarian challenges facing migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea. During the visit, he urged Europe to strengthen migrant protection and integration while encouraging wealthier nations to support developing countries so that fewer people are forced to migrate.