Pope Leo’s visiting Europe’s migration hot spots. Catholics hope he’ll ease political tensions
Summary
Pope Leo XIV plans to visit two key migrant entry points in Europe: Spain’s Canary Islands and Italy’s Lampedusa island. These visits aim to highlight the challenges faced by migrants and promote compassion, especially in countries with strong Catholic roots where migration has become a political issue.Key Facts
- Pope Leo XIV will visit the Canary Islands in late June and Lampedusa island in early July 2024.
- The Canary Islands and Lampedusa are major arrival points for migrants crossing dangerous routes to Europe.
- Migration remains a politically sensitive topic in Spain and Italy, affecting both right-wing and left-wing groups.
- Many migrants arriving are from African countries and face difficult journeys.
- The Catholic Church, under Pope Leo and previously Pope Francis, advocates for humane treatment of migrants.
- Migrants like Eslim Jallow, from Gambia, have settled in the Canary Islands and wish for respect and dignity.
- The church seeks to shift the focus from political divisions to seeing migrants as human beings.
- Pope Francis’ past visits showed the church’s commitment to supporting migrants worldwide.
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