| The Joy of the Gospel 1453 Downloads | 1.05 MB |
On his visit to Lampedusa, Pope Leo XIV thanks islanders and migrants alike for the solidarity that has made the Mediterranean outpost a sign of fraternity and hope amid contemporary migration challenges.
During Mass on the island of Lampedusa, Pope Leo XIV condemns the brutal treatment of migrants and refugees and the loss of life at sea, urging the world to concretely and compassionately respond to the "enormity of suffering." During his pastoral visit, the Pope also visits the "Gateway to Europe," a monument symbolizing hope for migrants arriving by sea, as well as a cemetery where many who lost their lives on the Mediterranean are buried.
Pope Leo expresses his prayers for all Americans in a letter he sent to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, which falls today, July 4th, 2026, with the hope that "the Spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future."