LAMPEDUSA, Sicily – The first American-born pope, Leo, marked the United States’ 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence with a visit to Lampedusa. There, he prayed at a cemetery for immigrants and held a mass for island residents and newcomers.
Lampedusa, a short but rugged stretch of land closer to Africa than Italy, serves as the primary entrance to Europe for many migrants traveling by boat from Libya and Tunisia, often risking their lives under the hands of smugglers.
After connecting with some migrants at the port, Leo took a moment to reflect, standing alone on the rocky pier, letting the wind catch his robes.
Before the mass, he unveiled a plaque honoring Pope Francis, who visited in 2013, emphasizing that actions can convey more than words. “For a gesture to be human,” he remarked, “it needs a heart.”
This visit highlighted a fundamental truth about the U.S. – its roots in immigration and the pressing need for compassion towards all, especially the most vulnerable populations.
In a letter read on Independence Day, Leo emphasized the importance of protecting human life, which includes immigrants, whose struggles and contributions have been part of America’s narrative since its inception. He noted that offering them kindness is not just charitable; it’s a recognition of their dignity.
Small island becomes ground zero for European immigration
Lampedusa has found itself at the center of Europe’s ongoing immigration challenges, juggling the need for secure borders with the duty to accommodate refugees facing adversity from conflict, climate change, and poverty.
During his sermon, Leo expressed gratitude to Lampedusa’s residents for their compassion towards migrants and urged Europe to accept its shared responsibility in this matter.
“Before any ideological disagreements, we must see the people before us who have lost everything and draw closer to them,” he urged, donning a vestment featuring wave imagery.
From this Mediterranean enclave, Leo called for a comprehensive approach from European leaders to effectively handle migration—balancing immediate assistance with plans to support and integrate migrants while helping their home countries develop.
He lamented the losses many suffered on their journeys and noted, “Some lost their lives during the voyage, yet we feel their presence urging us to care for those in need.”
This year’s influx of migrants to Italy shows a decline, with official figures reporting 14,464 arrivals compared to over 30,000 in the same timeframe last year. However, the International Organization for Migration has noted over 35,000 missing migrants since 2014, a figure likely underestimating the true scale of loss.
Leo, while recalling the challenges faced during the Trump administration in his hometown of Chicago, also highlighted issues in Europe. Last month, he addressed leaders in Spain’s Canary Islands, criticizing their indifference and cautioning smugglers about the moral implications of exploiting vulnerable people.
Leo respects the dignity of the dead and remembers Francis
Upon arriving in Lampedusa by plane, Leo honored those who have perished by laying wreaths on graves marked with simple wooden crosses—symbols of hope amid the tragedy.
Tareke Brahane, an Eritrean migrant and president of the October 3rd Committee—which was established by families of victims from a catastrophic 2013 shipwreck—remarked that the pope’s gesture spoke volumes about solidarity. He expressed the need for a proper register of the deceased, emphasizing the ongoing struggles faced by their families.
Leo’s visit not only commemorated the deceased but also delivered a poignant message to their loved ones still in mourning.
Continuing the legacy of Francis, who prioritized the plight of migrants, Leo reaffirmed the church’s commitment to the Gospel call to embrace those in distress.
In July 2013, Francis underscored this mission during his first trip outside Rome, casting a wreath into the sea to honor those lost and condemning the world’s indifference toward them.
Salvatore Sortino, head of the IOM’s mission in Italy and Malta, acknowledged that while arrivals have decreased, the number of fatalities has not. He emphasized that the ongoing vulnerabilities of migrants have not dissipated, making the papal visit a critical reminder of this pressing issue.
