Pope Francis emphasizes the need for action on migration during visit to France

During a visit to the city of Marseille in southern France, Pope Francis has urged European nations to be more tolerant towards migrants. Speaking at a gathering of bishops and young people from Mediterranean countries, the Pope stated that those risking their lives at sea are not invading anyone. French President Emmanuel Macron was present at the event as well. The Pope's call for greater tolerance comes at a time when the migration debate has been reignited due to a surge in arrivals on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Essential for migration to be governed with wisdom and a European response, Pope Francis emphasized that it is not an emergency but a reality that involves multiple continents around the Mediterranean. He mourned the loss of dignity among migrants with the Mediterranean turning into a sea of death. The Pope also called for a significant increase in legal and regular entry points for migrants, especially those escaping war, hunger, and poverty, rather than focusing solely on maintaining one's well-being. These remarks align with his previous statements about the duty of humanity to rescue migrants at risk on the Mediterranean. During his visit, thousands of people lined the streets of Marseille to catch a glimpse of the Pope. His agenda included participating in the closing session of the Mediterranean Meetings event, addressing migration, economic inequality, and climate change. Notably, this visit marked the first by a Pope to Marseille in 500 years, and he also had a private meeting with President Macron before concluding his visit with a Mass at the Velodrome stadium.