Pope Leo has warned migrants against attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, cautioning them about the risks of human trafficking and exploitation. During a visit to the Canary Islands, he met with migrants and emphasized the need for safe and legal pathways to Europe.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Pope Leo visited the port of Arguineguin on Gran Canaria, where he met migrants from Africa and Latin America. He blessed a cross made from the wood of small boats used by migrants and warned against the dangers of trafficking networks. The pope also called for global cooperation to address the root causes of migration and protect vulnerable individuals.
Deeper Dive & Context
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Responsibility
Pope Leo described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, urging nations to create conditions of peace, justice, and development in countries of origin. He criticized the indifference of some nations and the exploitation of migrants by criminal networks. The pope also appealed to the Church for greater engagement, criticizing those who turn a blind eye to the suffering of migrants.
Migrant Experiences and Risks
Bakary Jaiju, a migrant from Gambia, shared his harrowing journey across the Atlantic, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting the crossing. He described the lack of food and water, the fear of drowning, and the eventual rescue by Spanish authorities. The pope’s visit coincides with a period of increased patrols and interceptions funded by the EU, which has reduced the number of arrivals but not eliminated the risks.
Policy and Political Responses
Spain’s Socialist-led government has defended immigration on economic and humanitarian grounds, launching a legalization push for hundreds of thousands of immigrants without authorization. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has highlighted the benefits of immigration for an aging workforce and low birth rate. The pope’s visit underscores the need for international cooperation and humane treatment of migrants.
Commemoration and Advocacy
The pope dropped flowers into the sea in memory of migrants who have died attempting the crossing. He emphasized the need for legal and safe pathways, rescue operations, and cooperation against traffickers. The visit also drew attention to the conditions at the port of Arguineguin, which became known as the “dock of shame” due to the squalid conditions migrants endured in 2020.