Pope Leo promotes the protection of migrants, including during the trip to Lampedusa | Immigration Issues

The Pope has called on Europeans and the US to welcome and help migrants on a symbolic journey to an island off the Italian border.

The head of the Catholic Church worldwide, Pope Leo 14, has asked Europe to take action to protect and integrate immigrants during his visit to the island of Lampedusa in Italy, which is an important point of access for people who cross the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa.

The pope made the appeal on Saturday during his symbolic visit to the island, which has been at the center of Europe’s migration crisis.

Speaking at the Mass, the pope described migration as a “huge challenge” for Europeans, but said the continent has the ability to respond with compassion and planning.

“Europe can deal with the crisis in the region in a serious way,” he said, calling for immediate relief to support a long-term plan to “welcome, protect, support and integrate migrants”.

He urged European countries to support development in countries where refugees come from, saying that people should not be forced to leave because of poverty, lack of security or conflict.

The leader of the Catholic Church throughout the world, the Pope began his journey by praying at the cemetery where several refugees who died at sea were buried. He later visited the “Door of Europe” memorial, dedicated to those who risked their lives trying to reach the continent.

He also blessed the monument that transformed the immigration center after his predecessor Pope Francis, who visited Lampedusa in 2013 on his first visit outside Rome as pope.

Lampedusa, closer to Tunisia than Italy, has received thousands of people rescued after crossing the Mediterranean. Many others have died or gone missing while attempting the journey in overcrowded boats.

The Pope’s visit comes as governments in Europe and America are placing more emphasis on border controls, detentions and deportations.

In a different message to the American people who write 250 years about US independence, the first US-born pope said that protecting human life also means “welcoming, protecting and helping immigrants”.

More than 14,000 refugees have reached Italy by sea so far this year, according to the United Nations refugee agency, with more than half arriving in Lampedusa. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says more than 1,400 people have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean Sea this year.

The Pope said the deaths were the result of “decisions made and those not made”, adding that the memory of those lost at sea should weigh heavily on Europe, along with the needs of those who survived the voyage.