In a recent address in Marseille, Pope Francis called upon European leaders to humanely address the migration issue. He implored nations to open their ports to individuals escaping adversity and poverty, underscoring that Europe does not face a migration “emergency” but rather a long-standing reality requiring compassionate governance.
While addressing the gathering, which included French President Emmanuel Macron, in the context of the Mediterranean region Catholic bishops’ conference, Pope Francis expressed his disapproval of European countries’ reluctance to accept migrants. “The solution to the horrifying exploitation of human beings is not rejection. Instead, it is ensuring a significant number of legal and regular entries according to each country’s capacity,” he stated.
This appeal from the Pope comes at a time of heightened migration activities in Europe. Italy’s far-right-led administration, responding to a surge in migrants, considered a naval blockade against Tunisia and increased repatriations. In a notable event, the small Italian island of Lampedusa saw an influx of around 7,000 migrants in a single day, momentarily surpassing its local populace. Concurrently, France bolstered patrols at its southern frontier to halt migrants from Italy. In the UK, efforts by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to curb illegal immigration, including strategies like the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset and a plan to relocate migrants to Rwanda, have been plagued with issues.
Pope Francis also criticized the narrative of a migration “emergency”, stating that it merely intensifies “alarmist propaganda”. He emphasized that those braving the seas in search of a better life are not invaders but seekers of refuge and life. He further articulated that migration is not a fleeting challenge but an enduring reality impacting three continents around the Mediterranean. It necessitates a foresighted European approach equipped to tackle the intrinsic challenges.
Francis’s compassion for migrants has been a cornerstone of his decade-long papacy. His endeavors have included his initial pilgrimage as Pope to Lampedusa to pay tribute to perished migrants, celebrating Mass at the US-Mexico border, engaging with Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, and escorting 12 Syrian Muslims back home post a visit to a Greek refugee camp in Lesbos.
