Pope Francis condemned efforts to stop and turn away migrants as a “grave sin” and highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean and in the desert, where many migrants are losing their lives. He called for safe and legal migration routes, rejected restrictive laws and the militarization of borders, and called for international cooperation to prevent human trafficking and improve the safety of migrants. Read more
Pope Francis on Wednesday remembered those who lost their lives, including those who were “left behind” in the desert, and condemned efforts to turn away migrants and cut off their routes as a “grave sin.”
The 87-year-old regularly calls for more empathy for those fleeing conflict, poverty, disaster and persecution, especially those trying to reach Europe from Africa by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.
The president addressed the issue before his weekly audience on Wednesday, warning against “restrictive laws” and the “militarization of the border” and calling for safe migration routes.
“We must be clear: there are people who are systematically using all means to drive away migrants. And if this is done consciously and responsibly, it is a grave sin,” he said.
He reiterated that the Mediterranean Sea has become a “graveyard”, with more than 3,000 migrants going missing last year, according to UN figures.
“Unfortunately, some parts of the desert are migrant graveyards. And even here, it's not necessarily a question of 'natural death'. No,” he said.
“Sometimes they are taken into the desert and abandoned.
“In an age of satellites and drones, there are migrant men, women and children who should not be seen by anyone. Only God sees them and hears their cries.”
He did not name any specific countries, but said his depictions of seas and deserts included oceans, lakes and rivers, as well as forests, jungles and steppes “where migrants walk alone.”
“Brothers and sisters, we can agree on one thing: migrants should not be in those oceans or in those dangerous deserts,” he said.
“But this outcome will not be achieved through tougher laws, militarization of the border or denial,” he said.
He called for “safe and legal” routes for migrants and asylum seekers and increased international efforts to combat human trafficking.
The European Union acknowledged in May that it was in a “difficult situation” after the Press Union reported that Tunisia, Morocco and Mauritania were using EU funds to dump migrants in the desert.
The 27-nation EU has struck deals with three countries with explicit financial support to step up efforts to stop illegal migration into Europe.
