Pope Leo XIV has urged European leaders to take stronger action on migration during a visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, calling for a long-term approach that supports both migrants and their countries of origin.

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Celebrating Mass on the Mediterranean island, which receives tens of thousands of migrants each year, the pontiff said Europe should improve efforts to integrate new arrivals while also helping developing nations so that people are not forced to leave their homes.

"Those who have lost their lives in this sea are victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made," the Pope said.

Lampedusa visit highlights migration challenges

The visit comes two weeks after the European Union approved stricter migration rules, including tougher border controls and expanded detention powers. It also reflects a broader trend across Europe, with governments including Italy and the UK introducing measures aimed at discouraging undocumented migration.

Tribute to those lost at sea

The Pope began his visit by praying at a cemetery in Lampedusa where migrants who died attempting the Mediterranean crossing are buried. He also visited the "Door of Europe" memorial, dedicated to those who perished at sea, and met with a migrant family.

Addressing worshippers, the Pope said Lampedusa offered a clear view of the challenges migration presents to Europe.

He called for a comprehensive response that combines emergency humanitarian assistance with a long-term strategy focused on receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants. He also urged greater investment in developing countries to reduce the pressures that force people to migrate.

Lampedusa, located about 90 miles (145km) off the Tunisian coast, hosts a migrant reception centre that has faced overcrowding and difficult living conditions. Many migrants attempting the crossing travel in overcrowded and poorly maintained boats, making the journey especially dangerous.

According to the UN's International Organization for Migration, more than 1,400 people have died or gone missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean this year, including 28 children.

Continued focus on migration

Rescue workers, aid organisations, members of the Italian Coast Guard and recently arrived migrants gathered to welcome the Pope during his visit.

"The pope continues to accompany you, support you and encourage you," he told those assembled.

Among those present was Kandeh Abdourahman, who arrived in Lampedusa as a migrant in 2015 and now works as a cultural mediator for the International Rescue Committee.

Speaking to Reuters, Abdourahman said the visit was "a reminder that our stories are seen, that welcome is not just a word but an act of humanity".

Since becoming head of the Catholic Church in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly advocated stronger support for migrants and criticised restrictive immigration policies.

His position has frequently placed him at odds with US President Donald Trump over immigration. In a recent letter marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, the Pope said protecting life also meant "welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants".

He added that immigrants' sacrifices and contributions had helped shape the United States, writing that receiving them with compassion and generosity was both an act of charity and a recognition of every person's inherent dignity.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 July 2026

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Yes the migrants that burn churches and kill christians.

Take them from Lampedusa straight to vatican, and keep them there.

Pope Leo has a heart. Obviously, the OP does not.

This guy seriously needs to shut up.

Really bad mistake appointing this mouthy liberal American to such a position.

Stay out of politics and focus on fixing the issues in the Catholic Church.

How does the Pope dare to recall Biblical instructions, i.e. 😂

• Deuteronomy 10:19 You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

• Matthew 25: 35 I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

1 hour ago, candide said:

How does the Pope dare to recall Biblical instructions, i.e. 😂

• Deuteronomy 10:19 You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

• Matthew 25: 35 I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

Yvette 25:14 You came illegally we welcomed you with open arms, alas you sexually assaulted our children and killed our hotel staff with a screwdriver.

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Yvette 25:14 You came illegally we welcomed you with open arms, alas you sexually assaulted our children and killed our hotel staff with a screwdriver.

You making stuff up. That's not surprising. 😀

10 hours ago, JonnyF said:

This guy seriously needs to shut up.

Really bad mistake appointing this mouthy liberal American to such a position.

Stay out of politics and focus on fixing the issues in the Catholic Church.

Affirmative, If the Vatican is calling on Europe to open up and strengthen support, they should lead by example. Tear down those Vatican walls, open up their doors, and share more of that immense wealth with humanity first.

10 hours ago, JonnyF said:

This guy seriously needs to shut up.

Really bad mistake appointing this mouthy liberal American to such a position.

Stay out of politics and focus on fixing the issues in the Catholic Church.

So very true JonnyF, another left wing liberal, globalist Poop who thinks he is infallible. This guy preaches globalism and open borders while his Vatican has stationed Swiss guards all around including 12 Meter, (39 feet) high walls.

send all migrants to vatican asap, and make the clergy pay for it

I do not care what the Pope might say.

The Global South needs to stay in the South.

They cannot come here, obviously.

Soon there will be 10 BILLION of us.

I just hope all 10 Billion do not come to Chiang Mai.

DO NOT COME HERE, PLEASE....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think the Catholic Church should divest itself of ALL WEALTH and property which has been scammed from poor people....

During the past few hundred years.

Sell off all the wealth of the Catholic Church...and....

Distribute this money to the poor and needy.

Does anyone agree?

7 hours ago, candide said:

How does the Pope dare to recall Biblical instructions, i.e. 😂

• Deuteronomy 10:19 You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

• Matthew 25: 35 I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

All the sudden the left starts thumping the bible.

The Western government must take action to ensure that migrants receive housing, healthcare, and essential living expenses, as these are fundamental human rights. The citizens of the West need to dedicate a small portion of their paychecks to support this cause. Embracing this responsibility is a moral obligation; it’s a testament to our humanity and compassion.

2 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

All the sudden the left starts thumping the bible.

Who would have thought it, eh? The left have, 'God on their side'.

Must be a hard one to take.

7 hours ago, RayC said:

Who would have thought it, eh? The left have, 'God on their side'.

Must be a hard one to take.

The pope is not god.

Certainly not this leftist charlatan.

I wonder how many immigrants he will take into the Apostolic palace, the hypocritical tartuffe.

somebody send the Pope some altar boys to keep him busy

gheez a pontiff who dresses up as a wizard and claims no sex with women ?

Ughhh , what year is this ?

8 hours ago, RayC said:

Who would have thought it, eh? The left have, 'God on their side'.

Must be a hard one to take.

Hypocrisy, thy name is lefty.

10 hours ago, nick supreme said:

The Western government must take action to ensure that migrants receive housing, healthcare, and essential living expenses, as these are fundamental human rights. The citizens of the West need to dedicate a small portion of their paychecks to support this cause. Embracing this responsibility is a moral obligation; it’s a testament to our humanity and compassion.

Only people in the west that want these "migrants" , should pay

for it.

All expenses , all compensation for victimes of these migrants , all extra costs

should be paid only by the people that want them.

Fill it in on your tax documents.

Let's see how many still want them.

19 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Only people in the west that want these "migrants" , should pay

for it.

All expenses , all compensation for victimes of these migrants , all extra costs

should be paid only by the people that want them.

Fill it in on your tax documents.

Let's see how many still want them.

Most only want them on social media.

They think it makes them look like a good person.

Ask them if they'll have one in their own house and they run a mile. 😀 The excuses start flowing like lager at an England game.

Hilarious to read some of the faux outrage of Pope Leo calls to support migrants. It is his moral duty and divine command and not a political choice. Popes have a long history of advocating for kindness, dignity and protection for immigrants grounding that appeals in the biblical command for "welcome the stranger". Now we get fake outbursts that is taking this on a personal level because Pope Leo spoke out on Trump's aggressive mass deportation policy. Every European country has a history of immgration dating back to the colonial days when there was an influx of migrants from the former colonies seeking economc opportunities, fleeing political prosecution and filling up labor shortages in Europe. They contribute to the wealth of European countries and these immigrants now make up a substantial portion of the population. Immgrants are not a zero sum outcome.

2 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

Hilarious to read some of the faux outrage of Pope Leo calls to support migrants. It is his moral duty and divine command and not a political choice. Popes have a long history of advocating for kindness, dignity and protection for immigrants grounding that appeals in the biblical command for "welcome the stranger". Now we get fake outbursts that is taking this on a personal level because Pope Leo spoke out on Trump's aggressive mass deportation policy. Every European country has a history of immgration dating back to the colonial days when there was an influx of migrants from the former colonies seeking economc opportunities, fleeing political prosecution and filling up labor shortages in Europe. They contribute to the wealth of European countries and these immigrants now make up a substantial portion of the population. Immgrants are not a zero sum outcome.

There's nothing kind about putting indigenous people, specifically children, at risk to appease your own insecurities about whether you're a good person or not.

It's pitiful.

19 hours ago, candide said:

You making stuff up. That's not surprising. 😀

Which part is made up?

Raping kids below.

https://www.reuters.com/world/afghan-jailed-15-years-uk-raping-12-year-old-girl-2026-03-27

Killing hotel worker with screwdriver below.

Asylum seeker jailed for 29 years for Rhiannon Whyte murder

Deng Majek is told by the mother of victim Rhiannon Whyte that she hopes he never sees the outside world.

16 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

All the sudden the left starts thumping the bible.

Don't you know that Jesus was a lefty? 😁

3 minutes ago, candide said:

Don't you know that Jesus was a lefty? 😁

All the sudden, the left loves Jesus

6 hours ago, JonnyF said:

The pope is not god.

Certainly not this leftist charlatan.

I wonder how many immigrants he will take into the Apostolic palace, the hypocritical tartuffe.

No but according to some he is God's representative on Earth, so I'd assume that God is ok with the appointment of this "leftist charlatan".

Vatican City covers < 0.5 km2, so I'd guess that there are not many vacant housing plots.

6 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Hypocrisy, thy name is lefty.

God and the Left have come to an Agreement 😉

As I said previously, I understand that this must be hard for you to take.

5 minutes ago, RayC said:

No but according to some he is God's representative on Earth,

Who was it who came to that conclusion ?

10 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Who was it who came to that conclusion ?

No idea but I understand that is what devoted Catholics believe?

Theology is not my strong suit. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

There's nothing kind about putting indigenous people, specifically children, at risk to appease your own insecurities about whether you're a good person or not.

It's pitiful.

You don’t read very well. Pope Leo is asking for the strengthening of support of migrants and helping the developing countries so the people don’t have to leave their counties. It is pitiful that you have to relent to such low bar to twist his words to justify your own agenda. Sad.