Pope Francis Advocates for Migrant Rights

Written by Connor Foster | September 24, 2023

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Pope Francis is travelling to Marseille, France on September 22^nd, 2023, in order to advocate for migrants who are attempting the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea. This cause has been a primary focus of Francis since starting his papacy. This visit is extremely timely considering the increase in migrants and resulting deaths due to what Francis calls the “globalisation of indifference”. This is not an official state visit; however, the Pope will be meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in order to discuss these issues. During this trip Francis will also be meeting with other religious figures and activists from around the Mediterranean as well as leading a large mass in Marseille.

This meeting with Macron is especially important following France’s interior minister Gérald Darmanin’s comments regarding the large influx of migrants in Lampedusa, Italy. He has stated that France will help manage the flow of these migrants but will not accept any into their country. This attitude reflects the overall attitude of European leaders throughout this migrant crisis. With such a large flow of migrants many European countries have attempted to limit the amount of people that they will accept. Italy has even taken action to discourage migrants attempting to make the journey by passing a law that limits rescue vehicles times at sea. Pope Francis is attempting to fight against these policies through this and many other visits throughout Europe.