09 July 2026
Pope Leo XIV has used a visit to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa to urge Christians and people of goodwill to show greater compassion towards migrants and refugees, warning against indifference to human suffering.
The visit carried particular significance as Lampedusa, located between Italy and North Africa, has become one of Europe's most prominent arrival points for migrants seeking safety and a better future. The island was also the destination of Pope Francis's first pastoral journey in 2013, a milestone that Pope Leo recalled during Mass celebrated before local residents.
The Pope's message touches on issues familiar within Australian public debate. While Australia's migration challenges differ from those facing Europe, questions surrounding asylum seekers, border policies and humanitarian responsibility have long been topics of discussion in public life.
Reflecting on the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan, Pope Leo drew a direct connection between the biblical story and the experiences of migrants risking dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean.
"Here you have seen not just one, but thousands of human beings fallen into the hands of robbers who have taken everything from them, beat them brutally, and walked away, leaving them half-dead," the Pope said.
The Pope added: "Those who have lost their lives in this sea are victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made."
Pope Leo highlighted a range of factors contributing to forced migration, including poverty, corruption, armed conflict, organised crime, people-smuggling networks and economic systems that leave many communities excluded from opportunity.
Opening his homily, Pope Leo thanked the people of Lampedusa for their hospitality and acknowledged their ongoing efforts to assist those arriving on the island's shores.
"God always loves us first," he said. "The beauty of the sea, this island and your faces is a reflection of his gratuitous initiative. I am grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to visit you, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis."
Concluding his visit, Pope Leo reflected on an image of Our Lady of Safe Harbour, patroness of Lampedusa, drawing on Saint Augustine's description of life as a voyage across a stormy sea in search of a secure harbour.
"In God we all have a safe haven," he said. "Every Christian community is called to be a reflection of it on earth."
Ending his remarks with the traditional local greeting "O'scià!", Pope Leo thanked island residents for their generosity and witness, praising their continued commitment to welcoming those in need.