During a poignant visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, Pope Leo marked the 250th anniversary of American independence by calling on the United States to embrace and safeguard migrants.
The message, dispatched to the U.S. on Saturday, carries weight given the pontiff’s previous criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s strict border policies, which the Pope previously labeled inhumane. Alongside his message to America, the Pope appealed to global leaders to foster a “more human” society that supports individuals escaping conflict and economic hardship.
Lampedusa serves as a major, yet perilous, entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa into Europe. With over 7,000 arrivals on the island this year alone, Pope Leo used the backdrop of this migration hotspot to press European leaders for more robust assistance.
In his dedicated letter for the historic U.S. anniversary, he emphasized that protecting human life inherently involves supporting those on the move.
”To receive (immigrants) with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person,” he told the United States.
The Pope’s journey mirrors the historic 2013 trip of Pope Francis, who also chose Lampedusa as his very first destination outside Rome.
Speaking to an audience of newly arrived migrants, coast guard rescuers, and humanitarian workers at the port, Leo assured them that the pontiff “continues to accompany you, support you and encourage you”.
To address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the Pope urged European nations to look beyond temporary fixes and establish sustainable, compassionate frameworks. He pressed for a dual approach: managing current arrivals humanely while simultaneously investing in developing nations to address the root causes of displacement.
”in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants”
The visit deeply resonated with those on the ground, including former migrants who now work to aid others navigating the same dangerous routes. Kandeh Abdourahman, an International Rescue Committee cultural mediator who survived the crossing in 2015, shared his perspective with Reuters:
”The pope’s visit speaks to every one of us,”
”a reminder that our stories are seen, that welcome is not just a word but an act of humanity,” said Abdourahman.
The sheer scale of the crisis is evident in UN Refugee Agency data, which reveals that over half of the 14,464 migrants arriving in Italy by sea this year have landed on Lampedusa—effectively overwhelming the small island’s resident population of 6,000.
The human toll remains devastating, with the International Organization for Migration reporting more than 1,400 deaths or disappearances in the Mediterranean so far this year, including 28 children.