Pope Leo XIV marks US Independence Day with appeal for immigrants

Pope Leo XIV marked this Saturday (4), the date on which the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, with an appeal for Americans to welcome immigrants with "compassion and generosity".

The first US-born pontiff made the declaration during a visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, one of the main arrival points for migrants to Europe.

In a letter released shortly after arriving on the island, Leo XIV stated that protecting human life also means "welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants", highlighting that the hopes, sacrifices and contributions of these groups are part of the history of the United States.

The pontiff began his visit at the "Door to Europe" monument, erected in honor of the thousands of migrants who died or disappeared while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea. He then visited the island's cemetery, where there is an area designated for migrants, including the grave of Yusuf Ali Kanneh, a six-month-old baby who died in a shipwreck in 2020.

During the trip, Leo He gave the pope a letter and a ball, with the hope that the object would be passed on to another migrant child.

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In his message marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, the pope said that, in every generation, people who sought freedom, opportunity and a place to live helped shape the character of the United States. According to him, receiving them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity of each human being.

On Friday (3), during a ceremony in Philadelphia to receive the Medal of Freedom, Leo XIV also praised the American tradition of welcoming successive waves of immigrants and highlighted the contribution of these people to the country's development.

The main activity of the visit to Lampedusa was an open-air mass. In his homily, the pope called on European leaders to adopt policies to welcome, protect, support and integrate migrants, while helping developing countries so that no one is forced to emigrate. According to Leo XIV, this responsibility lies not only with governments, but also with civil society and the Church.

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Source: CNN