Pope on Migrants, America

Pope Leo XIVLeo XIV267th Pope of the Catholic Church (2025–) visited Lampedusa on July 4, praying at Italy’s main Mediterranean migrant arrival point for tens of thousands of people who died trying to reach Europe from North Africa. He urged European governments and communities to protect, welcome and integrate migrants, calling for assistance to people arriving on the island. In a message tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary and his acceptance of the National Constitution CenterNational Constitution Centerinstitution and museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, devoted to the United States Constitution’s 2026 Liberty Medal, the first American pope urged the US to recommit to protecting life and human dignity. He specifically linked those ideals to welcoming and assisting immigrants.