human traffickers

Pope Leo XIV visited Lampedusa, a Sicilian island near Africa, on July 4 to honor migrant graves and criticize U.S. immigration policies, contrasting with American Independence Day celebrations. He emphasized Christian obligations to protect migrants and called for compassion toward immigrants, referencing the U.S.'s immigrant-founded history.

Pope Leo XIV warned human traffickers in the Canary Islands to stop exploiting migrants, urging them to repent or face divine consequences. During his visit to Spain's Canary Islands, a key entry point for African migrants, he emphasized the Church's call to 'welcome the stranger' and criticized anti-migrant policies in Europe and the U.S.

Pope Leo XIV condemned human traffickers in the Canary Islands, urging them to stop exploiting migrants and repent to avoid divine punishment. He highlighted the dangers of the Atlantic migration route and called for integration of migrants fleeing war, poverty, and climate change.

Pope Leo XIV warned human traffickers in the Canary Islands to stop exploiting migrants, urging them to repent during his visit to the region, a key entry point for African migrants to Europe. He emphasized the Church's stance on welcoming migrants amid rising anti-migrant sentiment and highlighted the deadly Atlantic migration route, where thousands have perished.