Jul 4, 2026, 11:52 amJul 4, 2026, 11:52 am
During his visit to the Italian Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, Pope Leo XIV emphasized Europe’s special responsibility in dealing with migration. Migration presents European societies with a “historic challenge,” said the head of around 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Because of its history and culture, Europe has “unique potential” and therefore has a responsibility.
Pope Leo is currently in Lampedusa.Image: keystone
The continent is able to address the situation holistically, “by combining emergency assistance with a long-term strategic plan.” This should accept, protect, promote and integrate migrants and at the same time ensure that “no one is forced to emigrate,” said Leo. He emphasized that the dignity of each individual must always be preserved.
Tens of thousands dead and missing in the Mediterranean
As the second pope after his predecessor Francis, who visited the island in 2013, Leo XIV is currently visiting Lampedusa. The small island between Sicily and the North African coast has been considered one of the focal points of migration from Africa to Europe for many years. Every year tens of thousands of people make the dangerous journey across the central Mediterranean. Many risk their lives – or even lose it in the process.
The route across this part of the Mediterranean is still considered the deadliest migration route to Europe, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since 2014, the organization has registered more than 26,000 dead and missing people in the central Mediterranean.
Pope: Victim of decisions made and decisions not made
Leo described these dead as “victims of both decisions made and decisions not made.” He pointed to a lack of interest in the common good and corruption in the countries of origin, a global economic system that causes poverty and exclusion, and fears that fuel prejudice and contempt. The idea that these problems are none of Europe’s business and criminals profiting from the suffering of migrants also contribute to this. (dab/sda/dpa)