Pope Francis has called on the international community to act swiftly to protect migrants, following a sharp rise in drownings in the Mediterranean.
In his Sunday Angelus address in St Peter’s Square on 22 July, the Pope said there had been “dramatic reports of shipwrecks of boats laden with migrants” and talked about his “pain” on hearing the news, while assuring the victims he is praying for them.
“I address a heartfelt appeal for the international community to act decisively and promptly, in order to prevent such tragedies from repeating themselves, and to guarantee security, respect for the rights and dignity of all,” Francis told a crowd of 25,000 pilgrims.
On 18 July, 30 migrants died when a boat carrying 150 people sank close to the coast of northern Cyprus. Charities have reported that the number of deaths in the Mediterranean reached 600 between the middle of June and the middle of July.
The increase in drownings, according to the aid organisation Médecins Sans Frontières, has been fuelled by the decision of the new Italian government to prevent rescue boats from docking in the country’s ports.
Francis’ defence of refugees contrasts with the tough anti-migrant line taken by Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister and minister of the interior. Polls show that Mr Salvini’s popularity has risen.
The Pope’s appeal for migrants followed his reflection on the Gospel of Mark 6:30-34, which he explained showed how an “unexpected emergency” meant that plans must be changed in order to respond to the needs of others. Christians, the Pope added, need to show both “flexibility and availability”.
The leadership of the Italian Bishops’ Conference has also pledged its support for migrants arriving in the country last week, while warning against a growing culture of xenophobia.
A statement signed by the president of the conference, the three vice-presidents and the secretary-general came days after almost 1,000 priests, theologians and charity workers wrote to the bishops, complaining that too few church leaders were speaking out against the climate of racism and anti-migrant attitudes in Italy and Europe.
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