On the day the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, Pope Leo 14 visited the island of Lampedusa, in Italy, which is a symbol of the global migration crisis. In front of thousands of people, he celebrated a mass with a strong political message, in which he highlighted the world’s indifference towards the issue and demanded protection for the most vulnerable people.
According to information from the international press, the Pope’s visit to the site on American Independence Day is not random. The pontiff’s defense of fairer and more humane solutions to migration issues occurs amid tensions with Donald Trump’s government.
Leão 14 has openly criticized the current US administration’s offensive against the country’s immigrant population and classifies the treatment given to this group as “inhumane”. Last week, US Vice President JD Vance called the Vatican’s stance on immigration “concerning.”
Another topic that generates conflict is the War in Iran. The Pope’s positions have already led the Trump administration to publish a series of unprecedented attacks against the religious leader. In April, JD Vance declared that Leo 14 needed to be “careful” when discussing religion and suggested that he take the “Just War” doctrine into consideration when dealing with attacks on the Persian country.
Alert to Europe
In Lampedusa, the pope addressed European countries directly. According to him, the continent has the conditions to develop a new migration policy. In the pontiff’s words, the region has to take responsibility for working on the issue with respect for dignity and welcome.
“Europe is in a position to face the crisis organically, integrating first aid into a long-term strategic plan.” he stated. He added that this is a task not only for public institutions, but also for the entire civil society and the Church itself.
Leo 14 made direct references to the victims of the crossing to Lampedusa. “Those killed in this sea are victims of both decisions taken and omitted. Lack of interest in the common good and corruption in countries of origin, a global economic system that generates poverty and exclusion, fear that fuels prejudice and contempt, the idea that these problems do not concern us, the criminal calculations of those who profit from the drama of others.”
The apostolic journey was also marked by moments of mourning and memory. The pontiff visited the Cala Pisana cemetery and laid flowers at the graves of immigrants. One of them is baby Yusuf, who drowned at six months old in Libyan waters, after the boat he was traveling on with his 17-year-old mother sank.
The pope walked through the emblematic Gate of Europe, a monument erected at the southern tip of the island facing the Mediterranean. He also received a gift from an 11-year-old boy, who arrived alone on the island after losing his mother on the crossing. The child gave the pontiff a paper ball, the only toy he had after the tragedy.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br