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Pope Leo XIV urges Europe to protect migrants on Lampedusa visit
Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, spent July 4, 2026 on the Italian island of Lampedusa – a main entry point for migrants crossing the Central Mediterranean. He visited the island’s migrant cemetery, laid a wreath of yellow and white flowers on anonymous graves and crossed the symbolic “Door of Europe” monument. At the pier he blessed a plaque dedicated to Pope Francis and later celebrated a Mass attended by thousands of locals and newly arrived migrants.
In his homily the pope warned that “the dead in this sea are victims of both decisions taken and decisions omitted” and called on European leaders to adopt a “comprehensive, long‑term plan” that can receive, protect, support and integrate migrants while also tackling the root causes of migration. He criticised the United States’ immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump, stating that protecting life also means “welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”
The visit coincided with the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence and came two weeks after the EU approved new migration rules that expand detention powers and create offshore centers. UNHCR highlighted the pope’s message as a reminder of shared responsibility, noting that more than 1,400 people have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean this year and that roughly 35,000 are missing since 2014. The pope’s speech aims to pressure both Europe and the United States to move beyond border‑focused policies toward protection and dignity for migrants.