Spain: Pope Leo XIV has called on governments, international organisations and communities around the world to show greater compassion and responsibility toward migrants, insisting that every human person deserves dignity and protection regardless of nationality or legal status.
Speaking at the port of ArguineguĂn in Gran Canaria on Thursday, Pope met migrants and representatives of organisations involved in rescue operations, humanitarian aid and migrant support along one of the world's most dangerous migration routes. The gathering took place at a port that became a symbol of Europe’s migration crisis when thousands of migrants arrived there during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020.
Addressing those gathered along the waterfront, Pope Leo delivered a strong message centred on the value of every human life. He said that human dignity does not depend on nationality or immigration status and remains unchanged when a person crosses a border.
Pope reflected on the challenges faced by thousands of people who leave their homes because of poverty, conflict, persecution and lack of opportunity. Many migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands make dangerous journeys across the Atlantic Ocean in overcrowded boats, often risking their lives in search of safety and a better future.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel, Pope Leo said places such as ArguineguĂn make the message of Christ visible in a real and concrete way. He noted that migrants often arrive with few possessions after enduring suffering, fear and uncertainty, yet they never lose their God given dignity.
He also spoke about the responsibility of the Church and society to care for those in need. Referring to the mission of Saint Peter as a fisher of people, the Pope said the Church cannot ignore the suffering witnessed on the docks where migrants arrive or the tragedies that unfold at sea.
During the meeting, several people shared personal testimonies. Among them was maritime rescue captain Tito Villarmea, who has participated in the rescue of more than 20,000 people. He recounted a rescue operation involving a woman and a child who was later revealed to be a girl disguised as a boy for protection during the dangerous journey. The story highlighted the fears and hardships many migrants experience.
Pope praised rescue workers, volunteers and parish communities for treating migrants as individuals rather than statistics. He said that personal encounters help people recognise that migrants are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters whose stories could easily be those of their own families.
One of the most moving moments came when the testimony of Blessing, a Nigerian woman who survived human trafficking and sexual exploitation, was shared. For security reasons, her account was read by another person. Blessing described leaving her homeland because of poverty, enduring abuse and exploitation, and eventually rebuilding her life.
Responding directly to her story, Pope Leo offered words of encouragement and healing. He said that while others may have tried to place a price on her body and dignity, God had never ceased to recognise her immeasurable worth. He stressed that victims of trafficking remain persons of value and dignity despite the violence they have suffered.
Pope also condemned human trafficking networks and criminal groups that exploit vulnerable people. He described traffickers as merchants of despair who profit from human suffering and urged stronger international cooperation to combat these crimes.
Turning to political leaders, Pope Leo called for migration policies rooted in respect for human dignity. He urged governments to create safe and legal migration pathways, strengthen protections for trafficking victims, and promote integration for those who arrive in new countries.
At the same time, he highlighted what he called the often forgotten right not to migrate. People, he said, should be able to remain in their own countries without being forced to flee because of war, hunger, corruption, persecution or environmental crises.
The gathering concluded with a floral tribute and a minute of silence for those who have lost their lives attempting dangerous sea crossings. Pope Leo also blessed a cross made from the wood of a migrant boat at a nearby shrine dedicated to seafarers.
Before departing, he left those gathered with a final challenge. Every migrant arriving on Europe’s shores, he said, asks a question about the state of humanity itself. Future generations, he warned, will judge whether societies chose to protect life and uphold human dignity or whether they turned away in indifference.