Pope Says Repelling, Abandoning Migrants Is 'Grave Sin'

SUMMARY

Pope Francis condemned the efforts to repel illegal migrants and block their routes, calling it a "grave sin" during his weekly audience on Wednesday. Stressing the importance of 'empathy for those fleeing conflict, poverty, and persecution', the Pope criticized "restrictive laws" and the "militarization of borders," advocating instead for safe migration routes. He also mentioned the reality of migrants who lose their lives in the Mediterranean, which he described as a "cemetery," and in deserts where some are "abandoned" to die. "In the time of satellites and drones, there are migrant men, women, and children that no one must see. Only God sees them and hears their cry," he stated. Pope Francis urged for "safe and legal" migration pathways and stronger international efforts against human trafficking. His comments come amid reports of Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania dumping migrants in deserts with EU funds intended to curb illegal migration to Europe.