Pope Leo XIV urges compassion for migrants during visit to Lampedusa
Pope Leo XIV marked the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence on Saturday with an appeal to Americans to welcome and protect immigrants, in a letter sent to his home country as he visited Italy’s migrant frontline island of Lampedusa, reports BritPanorama.
During a day trip to Lampedusa, a critical entry point for migrants risking dangerous Mediterranean crossings into Europe from Africa, the pope urged European leaders to step up efforts to assist incoming migrants, whose numbers have surpassed 7,000 this year.
In a separate message sent to the U.S. on its landmark anniversary, Pope Leo emphasized that the Catholic value of defending life includes “welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.” He stated, “To receive (immigrants) with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.”
Lampedusa, located between Tunisia, Malta, and Sicily, is known for being one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Many migrants arrive after perilous journeys across the Mediterranean in overcrowded and makeshift vessels.
This visit mirrored that of Pope Francis, who chose Lampedusa for his first trip outside Rome after becoming pope in 2013. Among those gathered at the southernmost port of Italy were newly arrived migrants, Italian Coast Guard officials involved in search-and-rescue operations, and various aid groups.
Pope Leo addressed the gathering, indicating his commitment to accompany, support, and encourage them. He remarked on the need for European leaders to tackle migration “in a comprehensive manner,” suggesting the integration of immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategy aimed at protecting and supporting migrants.
Additionally, he called for improvements in the conditions of migrants’ home countries to reduce the pressures that drive them to leave. “The pope’s visit speaks to every one of us,” said Kandeh Abdourahman, a migrant who arrived in Lampedusa in 2015 after traversing five African nations, the Sahara Desert, and the Mediterranean. He now works as a cultural mediator with the International Rescue Committee.
According to U.N. Refugee Agency data, a total of 14,464 migrants have arrived in Italy by sea this year, with more than half landing in Lampedusa, a figure that significantly exceeds the island’s resident population of about 6,000. Unfortunately, this year has already seen over 1,400 people die or go missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean, including 28 children.
Since his election in May 2025, Pope Leo has made support for migrants a central theme of his papacy, asserting that history will judge harshly those leaders who mistreat immigrants. In his inaugural address to the U.S. on Friday, he lauded the country’s traditions of welcoming newcomers, urging Americans to live up to the ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence.
Arriving in Lampedusa shortly before 9 a.m. local time on Saturday, the pope laid flowers at a local cemetery on the graves of migrants who perished during their attempts to cross the Mediterranean. He also visited the “Door of Europe,” an art installation located on Italy’s southernmost beach dedicated to migrants, walking through the structure towards the Mediterranean, despite strong winds.
Vatican officials noted that Pope Leo intentionally timed his visit to coincide with the July 4 U.S. Independence Day holiday to underscore his message of solidarity with migrants. “Pope Leo XIV’s presence sends a clear message at a time when the global political debate on migration is often framed around borders and deterrence rather than protection and shared responsibility,” remarked Anna Leer from the U.N. Refugee Agency.
She added, “Every act of witness to the humanity of those who flee violence, persecution, and conflict carries moral and political weight.”
