PARIS: Pope Francis is set to visit Marseille this week, focusing on the pressing issue of irregular migrants facing hardship in North Africa and those attempting the perilous journey to reach Europe.
The trip to France’s second-largest city, historically a gateway for immigrants, will span two days, during which the Pope is expected to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and climate crises, and advocate for greater tolerance and understanding.
In his visit, Pope Francis is likely to shed light on the harrowing experiences many migrants endure in North Africa, ranging from internment in brutal camps to being abandoned by traffickers to perish in the unforgiving desert. The pontiff’s visit coincides with a surge in irregular migrant arrivals in Italy, reigniting debates on how European nations handle asylum-seekers.
During his Angelus prayer in Rome on Sunday, Pope Francis emphasized the need to tackle this challenge collectively, acknowledging its complexity and asserting that unity is essential for a prosperous future. He stressed that such prosperity should be built upon the foundations of fraternity, placing human dignity and the needs of the most vulnerable at the forefront.
Marseille, a key destination for migrants from North Africa, is also home to some of Europe’s poorest neighbourhoods, grappling with issues like drug trafficking. The Pope, deeply concerned about the exploitation of migrants, termed it a criminal act in August.
The “Mediterranean Meetings” event in Marseille will delve into critical themes such as economic inequality, migration, and the escalating climate crisis. Pope Francis is anticipated to engage with bishops actively involved in North Africa to address the region’s unique challenges.
He emphasized the grave situation in North Africa, labelling the Mediterranean a cemetery and asserting that the real tragedy unfolds there. His visit aims to draw attention to this profound crisis and advocate for compassionate and effective responses.
