Pope Leo XIV visits Lampedusa, advocates for migrants' rights
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Pope Leo XIV visited Italy's Lampedusa island, a significant entry point for migrants, to highlight the plight of those undertaking perilous journeys from Africa. The visit, occurring on the 250th anniversary of US independence, follows the European Union's approval of new migrant rules allowing broader detention powers and the creation of deportation centers. Pope Leo began his visit at a cemetery where unidentified migrants are buried, then went to the "Door of Europe" monument, and spoke with a migrant family. The Chicago-born pontiff has consistently championed migrants' defense, praising those who assist the needy and criticizing mass deportations. Filippo Ungaro, spokesman for the UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, stated that the Pope's presence sends a clear message focusing on protection and shared responsibility rather than borders and deterrence. Lampedusa, located 90 miles off Tunisia, is known for its compassion towards migrants, despite tragic events like the 2013 shipwreck that killed over 360 people. Pope Leo was expected to call for safe and legal pathways for immigration during his half-day trip. He also planned to bless a plaque dedicated to Pope Francis and celebrate mass. This marks the second European migration hotspot visited by Pope Leo, who previously criticized human traffickers in the Canary Islands and called the US administration's treatment of immigrants "inhuman." The Central Mediterranean route is considered the world's deadliest migration route, with
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