On Wednesday, Pope Francis denounced efforts to block and repel migrants, calling such actions a “grave sin” during his weekly audience. The 87-year-old pontiff emphasized the need for compassion and safe migration routes, particularly for those fleeing conflict, poverty, or persecution.
Addressing the issue, Pope Francis warned against “restrictive laws” and the “militarization of borders.” He highlighted the Mediterranean Sea, where over 3,000 migrants went missing last year, as a “cemetery” and extended this description to deserts and other perilous locations where migrants are abandoned.
“In an era with satellites and drones, it’s troubling that migrants are left in these conditions,” he said. “These places have become final resting spots for many who are overlooked and unheard.”
Without naming specific countries, Pope Francis broadened his concern to include all dangerous terrains where migrants might face peril, such as oceans, rivers, forests, and jungles.
He stressed that more restrictive measures and fortified borders are not the solution. Instead, he called for “safe and legal” migration pathways and intensified international efforts to combat human trafficking.
The European Union, which acknowledged the “difficult situation” in May, has faced criticism for reports that Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania have been using EU funds to push migrants into deserts. The EU has been working on agreements with these countries to address irregular migration to Europe.
