Pope calls on Europe to increase aid for migrants during Lampedusa visit

The Pope Francis visited the cemetery on the Italian island of Lampedusa on Saturday to pay tribute to migrants who have perished while attempting the crossing of the Mediterranean Sea. Accompanied by local clergy and representatives of migrant‑rights groups, he laid a wreath on the graves of those who died at sea and addressed a gathering of families, officials and volunteers, acknowledging the human cost of the ongoing migration flows that have made Lampedusa a focal point for rescue operations.

In his remarks, the pontiff highlighted the scale of the tragedy, noting that dozens of bodies have been recovered in recent months and that many more remain missing. He called for greater international cooperation to protect vulnerable people and urged governments to adopt policies that respect human dignity, emphasizing that “no one is illegal.” The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, underscoring the Pope’s appeal for solidarity and a renewed commitment to address the root causes of dangerous sea journeys.