Pope Francis Urges European Leaders to Open Ports and Provide Legal Pathways to Citizenship for Migrants

Pope Francis has called on European leaders to open their ports to people fleeing hardship and poverty, and to deal with the long-term reality of migration humanely. On Saturday, during his second day in the French port city of Marseille, the Pope criticized European countries that have used “alarmist propaganda” to justify closing their doors to migrants.

The Pope urged French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders to provide legal pathways to citizenship for migrants, and to ensure that the Mediterranean Sea is a beacon of hope, not a graveyard of desperation. He also called on them to respond with charity, rather than fear, to the migration crisis.

The Pope’s comments come as Europe is facing a surge in migration, with more than 100,000 people crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe this year alone. This has put pressure on European governments to find ways to manage the influx of migrants.

Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for migrants and refugees, and has repeatedly called on governments to show compassion and respect for the rights of those seeking a better life. He has also urged governments to work together to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and conflict.

The Pope’s visit to Marseille is part of a two-day trip to France, during which he is expected to meet with migrants and refugees and visit a center for unaccompanied minors. His message of compassion and understanding for migrants is likely to be echoed during his visit.