LAMPEDUSA, Italy: Pope Leo XIV on Saturday pressed Europe to do more to protect and integrate migrants as he visited Italy’s Lampedusa island, a major port of call for those risking the perilous crossing from Africa.
His trip to the migration frontline was a stark message to both EU and US leaders in a period of both growing intolerance and indifference.
The Catholic Church’s first US pope, who has clashed with President Donald Trump’s administration over its treatment of migrants, chose to mark July 4, the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence, at a migration hotspot.
Leo’s visit also comes 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.
“From this far-flung corner of Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, one can more clearly perceive the momentous challenge that the phenomenon of migration poses to European societies,” Leo told crowds of faithful. Yet “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,” he said.
