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Pope Leo at Lampedusa
Pope Leo XIV urged European leaders to do more for migrants during a day trip to Lampedusa, Italy, a gateway for migrants risking dangerous Mediterranean crossings into Europe from Africa.
“Pope Leo XIV traveled on Saturday to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, using a highly symbolic visit to one of Europe's main migration gateways to press European and US leaders to respond to migration with solidarity rather than deterrence”
He told a crowd of faithful, "Europe is capable of addressing the crisis, in this region, in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants," as he prayed at a migrant cemetery and celebrated mass on the island.
DW reported that more than 14,000 people landed in Italy during the first half of the year, with nearly 60% arriving in Lampedusa.
RFI said the Pope also pressed Europe to do more for people fleeing war and poverty during the July 4 anniversary of US independence.
RFI added that Vatican officials said Leo deliberately timed the visit to coincide with the US Independence Day holiday to underline his support for migrants.
Compassion vs deterrence
RFI described Leo’s message as urging European leaders to improve their response to the "momentous challenge" of migration, including a call for the EU to adopt a strategic approach to integrating new arrivals.
In a separate account, the AP story said Leo spent the Fourth of July in Lampedusa to pray at a migrant cemetery and celebrate a solemn Mass for the island’s residents and newest arrivals.
The Catholic Observer reported that Leo condemned the "brutal treatment of migrants and refugees and indifference to their sufferings" during his one-day visit.
The Catholic Observer also quoted Leo saying, "This is a place where gestures speak more than words. But gestures, to be human, require a heart."
El País reported that Leo told the Twenty-Seven, "The dead in this sea are victims either of decisions made or of decisions omitted," during Mass held later in the local sports hall before 4,000 people.
What Europe faces next
DW said Leo thanked the fishing and tourism community of 6,000 for the solidarity shown during his visit to Lampedusa, where he met migrants at the port.
RFI reported that the Pope urged European leaders to assist arrivals while also improving lives in developing countries so that no one would be forced to emigrate.
El País said Leo issued a warning against migrant-rejection policies of the global far-right, "led by Donald Trump," and said his visit was precisely on July 4, on the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Bangkok Post reported that Leo’s visit came just two weeks after the European Union’s approval of new migrant rules allowing much broader detention powers and the creation of deportation centres outside the bloc.
In the same Bangkok Post account, Filippo Ungaro, spokesman for UNHCR, was quoted saying Leo’s presence "sends a clear message at a time when the global political debate on migration is often framed around borders and deterrence rather than protection and shared responsibility".
