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Pope Frances Urges More International Action On Migrants

Pope Francis has called on Europe and the international community to do more to tackle the rising number of migrants making desperate and often deadly … Continue reading Pope Frances Urges More International Action On Migrants


Pope-FrancisPope Francis has called on Europe and the international community to do more to tackle the rising number of migrants making desperate and often deadly journeys across the Mediterranean.

The Pope was speaking at his first official meeting with Italy’s new president, Sergio Mattarella.

He thanked Italy for welcoming migrants seeking refuge at the risk of their lives, but added that it was “evident that the proportions of the phenomenon demand much greater involvement”.

“We must not tire in our attempts to solicit a more extensive response at the European and international level,” he said.

The Pope thanked Italy, which has borne the brunt of the rescue efforts, and urged a “broader involvement”.
Some 10,000 migrants have been rescued in the past week by Italy’s coastguard, but 400 were feared drowned on Monday.

Last year, a record 170,000 people made the crossing to Italy.

Most were fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East.

Earlier this week, an EU spokeswoman said there was no “silver bullet” for the situation.

Mr Mattarella reiterated Italy’s call on the European Union for a “decisive intervention to stop this continuous loss of human life in the Mediterranean”.

He added: “These broken lives compromise the dignity of the international community and we are in danger of losing our humanity”.