Pope Leo urges compassion for migrants in July 4 message to Americans

Pope Leo XIV used the US Independence Day holiday to call on Americans to welcome and protect migrants.

The message was delivered during the pontiff’s visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters.

Lampedusa is one of the main arrival points for migrants entering Europe across the Mediterranean Sea. During his visit, the Pope urged European leaders to provide greater support for migrants and to address the issue through a comprehensive approach.

In his message to the United States, he said: “To receive (immigrants) with compassion and generosity is not only an act of ​charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.” He added that the Catholic commitment to protecting life includes “welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”

The pontiff also called on European leaders to integrate immediate humanitarian assistance into long-term strategies aimed at welcoming, protecting and supporting migrants, while improving conditions in their countries of origin to reduce forced migration.

By Jeyhun Aghazada