Pope Leo says history will condemn leaders who ignore migrant deaths

Pope Leo says history will condemn leaders who ignore migrant deaths The pontiff delivered an ‘appeal to the conscience’ of politicians across Europe - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Pope Leo has issued a powerful plea to global leaders, urging them to adopt a more humane approach towards migrants and warning that history will judge those who allow individuals fleeing war or poverty to suffer. Speaking from Spain's Canary Islands, a critical migration hotspot, the pontiff delivered what he termed an "appeal to the conscience" of politicians across Europe and the international community. "Human dignity has no passport and does not lose its value when crossing a border," the first U.S. pope declared, emphasising the inherent worth of every individual. His words resonated at Gran Canaria's Port of Arguineguin, infamously dubbed the "Dock of Shame" by relief organisations after approximately 1,000 migrants endured squalid conditions there during the initial phase of the coronavirus pandemic. "We cannot grow accustomed to counting the dead," he stated, addressing thousands gathered near a memorial dedicated to migrants lost at sea. "May history not accuse us of turning the pain of those who suffer into a common sight along our shores. Sooner or later, it will be known whether we protected life or whether we yielded to indifference." The Pope's visit to the archipelago, part of a week-long tour of Spain, comes as he has adopted an increasingly forceful tone regarding global leadership. He recently drew the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after sharply criticising his hard-line, anti-immigrant policies. The islands themselves serve as a perilous destination for migrants undertaking deadly journeys across Atlantic waters, often in improvised and overcrowded small crafts. During a meeting with NGOs and charity organisations at the port, Pope Leo listened intently to volunteers and others, including rescue boat captain Tito Villarmea. Villarmea recounted how he and his colleagues had saved some 20,000 migrants over 18 years. "It's a number that makes me sick and that you cannot forget," the captain confessed. "I wish we didn't have to save anyone." The pontiff also heard a harrowing testimony read on behalf of a Nigerian woman who detailed her experience of being trafficked and sexually abused while attempting to reach Europe for a better life. "I lived in conditions I would not wish on anyone," she said. Leo responded by telling her she was a blessing from God and deserved happiness. "Dear migrants, before saying anything else to you, I want to bow before your dignity," the Pope affirmed. "You are not just numbers or files. You are people who have left behind families and homes. You have dreams that no one has the right to despise.” The Pope used his platform to advocate for "legal and safe pathways" for immigration, alongside international cooperation to combat human trafficking and increased funding for rescuing migrants in distress at sea. The Canary Islands, located over 1,000 km from mainland Spain, have seen a dramatic surge in arrivals, with a record 46,843 irregular migrants in 2024, a stark contrast to fewer than 1,000 in 2015. Tragically, more than 3,000 people died in 2025 attempting to reach the islands, according to the NGO Caminando Fronteras. Earlier in the week, addressing the Spanish parliament, Leo asserted that the lack of assistance for the world's migrants challenged "the ethical foundation of the international order." He reiterated this sentiment on Thursday, stressing that the world must do more to eradicate the poverty, wars, and corruption that compel people to flee their homes. "It is not enough to manage arrivals, distribute statistics, reinforce borders or lament deaths after they have occurred," the pontiff declared, calling for proactive solutions. Juan Carlos Lorenzo, coordinator of the Spanish Commission for Refugees in the Canary Islands, hailed Pope Leo's visit as a "significant milestone." He added: "It will serve as a strong affirmation of the defence of human rights, respect, and the dignity that all people deserve, regardless of their origin." While Spain has adopted a more open stance on migrants compared to much of Europe, introducing a programme to grant residency to over half a million undocumented individuals, this initiative has faced criticism from far-right leaders, and the country grapples with the slow pace of granting legal status to thousands in limbo. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments