Paul KeenanPontiff renews call for migrant aid
Pope Francis has used the first anniversary of his first pastoral visit to Lampedusa to renew his call for greater help for migrants reaching the tiny Mediterranean island.
In a message on July 6 to Archbishop Francesco Montenegro of the Archdiocese of Agrigento, which has responsibility for Lampedusa, the Pontiff wrote: “I encourage the Christian communities and all people of good will to continue to reach out and lend a helping hand to all those who are in need, without counting the cost, without fear, with tenderness and understanding.”
Amid a continuing flood of migrants undertaking the perilous journey towards Lampedusa, the nearest European shore for those trying to flee conflicts and dire poverty in Africa and parts of the Middle East, the Pope added: “I hope that the competent institutions, especially at the European level, might be most courageous and generous in refugee relief.”