Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong appeal for compassion during his visit to Lampedusa, saying that “the enormity of the suffering we witness” should help humanity understand the radical nature of the call to love.
Speaking during Mass, the Pope reflected on migrants who crossed the Mediterranean, saying: “The sea has claimed the lives of others — those who did not manage to reach their hoped-for destination.”
“Before any intellectual consideration or ideological conviction,” he said, meeting people “stripped of everything” calls humanity to draw close to them.
Leo XIV thanked Lampedusa’s residents and those assisting migrants. “Once again, the miracle of compassion has taken place,” he said, describing compassion as “an inner revolution” that broadens “our thoughts, hearts and lives.”
The Pope also warned against indifference. “Those who have lost their lives in this sea are victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made.”
Turning to Europe, he said the continent is capable of addressing migration “in a comprehensive manner,” combining immediate assistance with long-term planning.
“There is no love of God without love of neighbor,” the Pope said, adding: “We become neighbors by acting as neighbors.”
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