The Holy Father, Pope Leo, recently delivered a message of solidarity to the people of the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, urging the world to pay attention to the plight of migrants who perish at sea while trying to reach Europe.
During his homily at Mass in the Sports Arena, Pope Leo referenced the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan and posed a profound question: “How, then, will we respond to the love of the One who loved us first?”
He challenged world leaders to address the migrant crisis, which robs countless young people of their dreams and aspirations as they flee their homelands in search of better opportunities abroad.
Pope Leo at the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa.
Thousands of migrants, particularly from Africa, have lost their lives in the waters off Lampedusa, Italy’s southernmost island, while escaping hardship at home in hopes of reaching safety in Europe.
Upon arriving on the island, the Pontiff visited the cemetery of Cala Pisana, where he paused in prayer before the graves of migrants and laid a commemorative wreath.
Notably, Lampedusa was the first place outside Rome that Pope Francis visited in July 2013, following his election in March of that year.
The Holy Father offered some prayers during the historic visit.
During his 2013 visit, Pope Francis spoke of the “globalization of indifference,” which leads societies to ignore the suffering of migrants.
In contrast, Pope Leo’s message centered on the urgent need to address the tragedy of migrants dying at sea in their attempt to reach Europe.
Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of Vatican Media.
