Wojciech Rogacin – Vatican
The Pope arrived in Lampedusa in the morning, where he is meeting with migrants, residents, and will celebrate the Eucharist. He will also visit the cemetery of sea victims – migrants who failed to reach Europe.
After being welcomed by the mayor, the Pope thanked him for naming the Favaloro coast after Pope Francis. It was Francis, upon arriving on this island in 2013, during his first pastoral journey, who emphasized closeness to migrants and refugees and those who help them.
Naming the quay after Francis is – according to the Holy Father – a sign of the bond his predecessor established with the community of Lampedusa and “with migrant brothers and sisters.”
“The Pope was close to you during this very demanding time for you. Today I am here to tell you that the Pope continues to accompany you, support you, and encourage you,” emphasized Leon XIV.
And he added: “I have not come here to give speeches, but to celebrate the Eucharist – the highest sign of Christ’s presence among us. Jesus’ gesture of breaking bread, offering himself, gives meaning and strength to our daily gestures of help and sharing with others.”
The Holy Father pointed out that this quay is a place where actions speak louder than words. “However, for actions to be truly human, they need a heart,” he said. “That is why we have gathered here: to draw from Christ the love that only He can give us, so that the world of today and tomorrow may become more human – for everyone,” added the Holy Father.
