Pope Leo XIV defended the dignity of migrants while urging them to reconsider dangerous migration journeys. He delivered the message during the final day of his seven-day visit to Spain.
The pope visited Spain’s Canary Islands, a major gateway for migrants crossing from Africa. Thousands have died attempting the dangerous journey to Europe.
Leo called on European nations to uphold human dignity during the ongoing migration crisis. However, he also acknowledged every country’s right to protect its borders.
Pope Calls for Safe and Legal Migration
Speaking at the port of Arguineguín, Leo warned against accepting migrant deaths as normal. He said the Mediterranean and Atlantic should never become unmarked graves.
The pope stressed that human dignity does not depend on nationality or immigration status. He also honored migrants who died at sea by placing flowers into the water.
Leo encouraged migrants to use legal migration pathways whenever possible. Furthermore, he urged them not to trust human traffickers promising easy lives abroad.
Pope Encourages Integration and Better Opportunities
The pope later met organizations helping migrants integrate into local communities in Tenerife. He said integration should promote understanding instead of creating isolated communities.
Leo also urged countries of origin to improve economic opportunities and social justice. Consequently, fewer people would feel forced to leave their homes.
He emphasized that people have the right to seek refuge from danger. At the same time, he said everyone should also have the right to remain safely in their homeland without war, hunger, violence, or persecution.
