Pope Leo XIV on Thursday issued a strong appeal to world leaders to treat migrants with greater humanity during a visit to Spain’s Canary Islands, one of Europe’s main migration entry points. Speaking at the port of Arguineguín on Gran Canaria, the Pontiff warned that history would judge harshly those who remain indifferent to the suffering of people fleeing war, poverty, and persecution.
Describing his message as a “call to conscience” for political leaders in Europe and around the world, Pope Leo stressed that “human dignity does not have a passport and does not lose its value when a person crosses a border.”
Addressing a large crowd gathered near a memorial dedicated to migrants who perished at sea, the Pope said that society must not become accustomed to counting the dead. “Let history not accuse us of turning the suffering of those in need into a commonplace spectacle along our shores,” he declared.
During his visit, the Pope met with humanitarian organizations, volunteers, and rescue workers who assist migrants arriving in the Canary Islands. He listened to testimonies from aid workers and migrants, including a Nigerian woman who recounted her experience of human trafficking and abuse while seeking a better life in Europe.
Turning directly to migrants, Pope Leo expressed deep respect for their courage and dignity. “You are not simply numbers or files. You are people who left behind families and homes. You carry dreams that no one has the right to despise,” he said.
The Pope also called for the creation of legal and safe migration routes, stronger international cooperation against human trafficking, and increased support for maritime rescue operations. He urged the global community to address the root causes of migration, including poverty, armed conflict, and corruption.
The visit to the Canary Islands marks the centerpiece of Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Spain. On Friday, he is expected to meet with approximately 1,000 migrants as part of his continuing advocacy for the rights and dignity of displaced people.
Source: ANA-MPA
