- Pope Francis Condemns Efforts to Repel Migrants, Calls for Safe and Legal Routes
In a powerful address, Pope Francis has condemned efforts to repel migrants and block their routes, calling it a “grave sin.” The 87-year-old Pope, known for his empathy towards those fleeing conflict, poverty, and persecution, urged for safe and legal migration routes.
Speaking at his weekly audience, Pope Francis warned against “restrictive laws” and the “militarisation of borders,” emphasizing that these measures would not bring about the desired results. Instead, he called for international efforts to combat human trafficking and provide safe and legal routes for migrants and asylum seekers.
The Pope’s words come as the European Union (EU) faces a “difficult situation” with regards to migration. In May, the EU admitted to a difficult situation after a journalism consortium revealed that Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania were dumping migrants in the desert, using the bloc’s funds. The EU has since struck deals with these countries to boost stopping irregular migration to Europe.
Pope Francis’s condemnation of efforts to repel migrants is a stark reminder of the human cost of migration. He recalled those who have lost their lives, including those abandoned in the desert, and emphasized that the Mediterranean has become a “cemetery” for migrants. He also highlighted that some deserts have become “cemeteries of migrants,” where they are taken and abandoned.
The Pope’s message is clear: migrants should not be in these lethal deserts, and it is not through more restrictive laws, militarization of borders, or rejection that we will achieve this goal. Instead, we must work towards safe and legal migration routes and combat human trafficking.
As the world grapples with the complex issue of migration, Pope Francis’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, empathy, and human dignity.
