Pope Leo XIV on July 4, 2026, US Independence Day, traveled to the Italian island of Lampedusa to pray for migrants who died seeking freedom and prosperity. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The Pope visited the cemetery on Lampedusa, paying respects at the tombs of migrants, including two babies, who died in shipwrecks. He also walked past "The Door of Europe" monument and visited the migrant reception center.
Lampedusa is a key entry point for migrants attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean. In 2013, a shipwreck off the island killed 368 people. Tareke Brhane, president of the 3 October Committee, a nonprofit founded after that tragedy, praised the Pope's visit.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the tragic fate of migrants and called on the international community to protect them. "We cannot remain silent about their deaths," he said.