VATICAN: Pope Francis has expressed deep sorrow over the continuing deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean, referring to it as an “open wound” for humanity. His remarks come in the wake of a series of tragic shipwrecks that have claimed numerous lives, casting a shadow on the ongoing migrant crisis.
During his weekly Angelus prayer, the 86-year-old pontiff offered his prayers for the 41 individuals who were reported missing last week following a shipwreck. He highlighted the disheartening statistics shared by the United Nations, revealing that more than 2,000 migrants have lost their lives in the Mediterranean since the beginning of this year alone.
Pope Francis emphasized the urgency to address this humanitarian crisis, describing it as a collective wound that must be healed. He commended the efforts of politicians, diplomats, and those involved in rescue missions, calling for solidarity and brotherhood in the pursuit of a solution.
Migrant Deaths in the Mediterranean
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN migration agency, reported that since January 1, over 2,060 migrants have tragically perished in the Mediterranean. Particularly concerning is the Central Mediterranean route, where more than 1,800 lives were lost in the perilous journey from North Africa to Italy and Malta. This figure is more than double the casualties from the same period the previous year.
Recent incidents have further highlighted the dangers faced by migrants. A boat carrying Tunisian migrants sank shortly after departing from the North African coast, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a baby. Another shipwreck off the Tunisian city of Sfax claimed the lives of 11 migrants, with dozens more still missing.
Adding to the distressing situation, bad weather conditions led to two additional shipwrecks off the coast of Lampedusa, resulting in the reported disappearance of at least 30 migrants.
