Pope Francis used strong language to condemn the maltreatment of migrants attempting to journey across the Mediterranean into Europe, calling out the lack of assistance provided to their vessels as a ‘grave sin’. In his weekly address from St Peter’s Square, the pope decried those actively working to reject migrants, acknowledging that such actions committed intentionally and irresponsibly were a serious transgression.
Over the course of his 11-year papacy, the issue of migrant treatment has been a regular topic for Pope Francis. However, his invocation of Catholic doctrine to label it one of the highest form of sins showed a heightened severity in his stance. A significant issue of contention in Europe for the past decade, the influx of migrants from northern Africa and the Middle East, crossing the Mediterranean in rudimentary boats, continues to provoke heated debates.
Since 2014, the International Organisation for Migration has reported over 30,000 missing cases of Mediterranean migrants. Francis urged for the expansion of access routes for these migrants and the establishment of a ‘global governance of migration’ built on the principles of justice, brotherhood and solidarity. He dismissed the concept of resolving the issue through beefing up border security.
Just this week, the administration of Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, ramped up their efforts to curb Mediterranean migration by seizing a rescue ship for the 23rd time. This prompted accusations from the international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), blaming Meloni’s government for taking an ‘arbitrary and inhumane decision’. The detainment of MSF’s Geo Barents, a civilian search and rescue craft, occurred in the port of Salerno, close to Naples, after it had successfully disembarked 191 rescued migrants.
This detention, lasting 60 days, was one of the most significant in the 18-month campaign against aid ships in the Mediterranean. However, MSF have denied all claims of irresponsible actions, stating that their team intervened when a significant number of migrants fell or were forced off a small boat as the Libyan coastguard’s vessel approached. According to the charity, they had ‘no choice’ but to intervene and carry out the rescue.
The ultra-conservative Brothers of Italy party, led by Ms. Meloni, has been praising her efforts to significantly reduce the influx of undocumented immigrants in Italy. Despite the acclaimed decline in number of unauthorised individuals entering Italy, multiple non-profit organizations including MSF, Oxfam Italia and SOS Humanity have openly criticised the Italian government for their continuous hindrance to civilian search and rescue missions, noting it’s now causing the loss of human lives.
Over a year ago, these respective organizations officially petitioned Brussels, urging the European Commission to verify if Italy’s existing laws coincide with EU’s and the global legislation. This assessment by Brussels is still ongoing.
In recent times, Pope Francis has been delivering a sequence of discussions focused on Catholic spirituality during his weekly audiences. However, he announced a pause on this series at the start of his recent address, to instead reflect on those who brave oceans and deserts with the goal of finding a safe and peaceful place to live.
In the coming week, the 87 year-old Pope, who now usually uses a wheelchair due to his kneed and back condition, is set to embark on his longest journey yet. The tour will cover four countries in Southeast Asia over eleven days. It will be his final appearance before this journey. – Reuters/Financial Times
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