Pope Leo made his way to Lampedusa island on Saturday — a key stop for migrants braving perilous routes from Africa to Europe. His visit coincided with U.S. celebrating 250 years of independence, sending pointed message to leaders in both U.S . and EU about their migration policies.
Just two weeks before Leo's arrival,EU had pushed through new rules expanding detention powers,setting up deportation centers outside its borders. This tightening of immigration policies added urgency to Leo's mission . On rocky shores,he pondered tragedies at sea where many have perished.
While there,Leo prayed at unmarked graves of shipwreck victims. Sobering reminder of migration's human toll. He met migrant family,holding children's hands,standing by their pregnant mother at “Door of Europe,” a monument to those risking all for hope.
As first U.S.-born pope,Leo has made migrant advocacy a central part of his papacy,continuing Pope Francis' legacy. He has slammed mass deportations in U.S.,praised those aiding vulnerable. His Lampedusa visit underscores ongoing crisis at Europe's and America's borders…
