LAMPESA, Sicily

As the United States celebrated 250 years of its Declaration of Independence with various festivities, the first American-born pope made his way to Lampedusa, Sicily. There, he took time to pray at an immigrant cemetery and held a solemn mass for both local residents and newcomers.

Lampedusa is a narrow, 9-kilometer-long strip of rocky land that is closer to Africa than to the Italian mainland. It has become a critical entry point into Europe for many migrants who journey by boat from Libya and Tunisia, often at the mercy of human traffickers.

Upon meeting some migrants at the port, Leo strolled along the rough pier, gazing out at the sea. The wind unraveled his cassock and sent his skullcap flying. Before holding the Mass, he dedicated a plaque at the docks to Pope Francis, who had visited the island in 2013.

“This place is a reminder that actions often convey deeper meanings than words,” Leo commented. “Yet, for a gesture to truly resonate, it has to come from the heart.”

His visit served as a poignant reminder of America’s immigrant roots, while also delivering a significant message to both the United States and Europe about the moral obligation to uphold the dignity of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable among immigrants.

In a letter addressed to Americans on July 4th, Leo emphasized that safeguarding the lives of the unborn and all humans also involves “welcoming, protecting, and assisting immigrants.” He stated that their hopes and sacrifices are part of the nation’s rich history.

“Receiving them with compassion and generosity is not just a kind act; it’s also an acknowledgment of the dignity inherent in every person,” Leo wrote.

In recent years, Lampedusa has become the focal point of Europe’s migration issues, grappling with border security while fulfilling its obligations to accept refugees fleeing from conflict, climate change, and poverty.

During his homily, Leo expressed gratitude for the “miracle of mercy” demonstrated by Lampedusa’s residents in welcoming migrants. He urged Europe to confront the challenges of migration with shared responsibility.

“Certainly, beyond any intellectual or ideological debate, facing those who come to us, stripped of everything, compels us to draw nearer,” Leo said, clad in a vestment featuring a wave design.

From this “corner of Europe on the Mediterranean,” Leo called on European leaders to adopt a comprehensive approach to migration that combines immediate assistance with long-term strategies. This includes welcoming migrants, protecting them, and even improving their home countries to prevent the need for migration.

“Here, I’ve witnessed not just individuals but thousands of victims who have fallen prey to robbers, who took everything from them and left them for dead,” he remarked.

Many have even perished on their journey, and Leo noted, “Their presence lingers, challenging us just as much as those who arrive seeking care and support.”

Although the number of migrants entering Italy this year is lower than in previous years—with the Interior Ministry reporting 14,464 arrivals compared to 30,598 during the same period last year—there remains a tragic count of over 35,000 missing migrants in the Mediterranean since 2014. The true number of deaths is suspected to be much higher, due to unrecorded “invisible” shipwrecks.

Leo has highlighted the need to defend immigrants’ dignity, particularly amid the mass deportations occurring under the Trump administration in his home city of Chicago. He also had pointed words for European Christian leaders.

Recently, he visited the Canary Islands, another hotspot for migration, admonishing leaders who coldly turn migrants away and warning smugglers of potential divine repercussions for exploiting the desperate.

Upon arriving in Lampedusa, Leo honored the deceased at the local migrant cemetery, laying wreaths of yellow and white flowers on the graves, which were marked simply with wooden crosses from shipwrecks.

Tareke Brahane, an Eritrean migrant and head of a nonprofit founded by families impacted by a 2013 shipwreck that claimed 368 lives, noted that this gesture conveyed a “strong message” of solidarity. He mentioned that there is currently no official record of the deceased, making Leo’s actions particularly significant in their campaign for recognition.

Leo’s visit aims not only to honor the deceased but also to send a message to the families still grieving and waiting for resolution. His actions align with the legacy of Pope Francis, who made the plight of migrants a core focus of his papacy. For the Catholic Church, welcoming and supporting those fleeing hardship is deeply rooted in the Gospel’s call to “welcome the stranger.”

In July 2013, Pope Francis embarked on his first journey outside of Rome, visiting Lampedusa. He cast a wreath into the sea in memory of those who perished and condemned the “globalized indifference” towards migrants.

Despite a drop in arrivals, Salvatore Sortino, head of the IOM’s mission in Italy and Malta, pointed out that deaths have risen proportionately. He highlighted that fewer arrivals do not necessarily equate to fewer tragic losses at sea.

“This further illustrates the ongoing vulnerabilities,” he emphasized. “So, Leo’s visit here, where so much suffering occurs, serves as a crucial reminder.”