Pope defends migrants at Mediterranean island frontier

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Pope Leo XIV visited Italy's Lampedusa island to highlight the plight of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa. His visit on July 4, coinciding with the US independence anniversary, sends a strong message to US and EU leaders regarding migration policies.

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visited Italy's Lampedusa island, a major port of call for migrants risking the perilous crossing from Africa, in a stark message to US and EU leaders. The Catholic Church's first US pope, who has clashed with the administration of President Donald Trump over its treatment of migrants, is marking July 4, the United States' 250th anniversary of independence, on a migration frontline.