Pushing back migrants is ‘a grave sin’ – Pope Francis

The Mediterranean Sea has become a “cemetery,” the pontiff has said

Those who refuse to offer aid to migrants attempting to cross into Europe are committing “a grave sin,” Pope Francis has said.

Speaking at the regular papal audience on Wednesday, the head of the Roman Catholic Church drew attention to the fate of scores of migrants attempting to reach European shores, particularly via the Mediterranean route.

Referring to the Mediterranean Sea as Mare Nostrum – a label used by the ancient Romans – Francis argued that it should be “a place of communication between peoples and civilizations” but instead “has become a cemetery.”

The Pope said the thousands of deaths in the region were avoidable, denouncing those “who systematically work, using all means, to push back migrants.” 

“And this, when done with conscience and responsibility, is a grave sin,” he warned, citing the Bible as saying “’You shall not wrong or oppress a foreigner.’”

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He added that “God is there with [the migrants]” and “suffers with them” as they seek a path to salvation.

The pontiff argued that the West cannot help people by fortifying borders, but only by “expanding safe and regular pathways for migrants” and facilitating refuge for those fleeing from various calamities through a “global governance of migration based on justice, fraternity and solidarity.”

The Mediterranean is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous routes for migrants to reach the EU, with many fleeing Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria and Libya, often relying on flimsy and overcrowded boats.

The route became particularly popular in 2015 in the midst of the EU migration crisis, and the trend continues to this day. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 290,000 migrants and refugees were recorded arriving in Europe through the Mediterranean and Western African-Atlantic route in 2023, a 55% spike from 2022. At least 3,100 migrants died trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2023.

Italy, one of the main countries grappling with the crisis, has been particularly active in trying to control migration. In September 2023, the country’s right-wing government passed measures allowing authorities to detain migrants for up to 18 months, while approving the construction of new detention centers.