Pope Francis: Migrants should never be denied aid

image: UNHCR migrant dingy 2019

Source: Vatican News

During his address to pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for the Regina Coeli prayer, Pope Francis spoke about the 130 migrants who drowned in the Mediterranean on Saturday when their rubber boat capsized.

"We ought to be ashamed" the Holy Father said. "For two whole days they begged in vain for help. Help that never came... They are people. Human beings."

The Pope then asked that everyone question themselves "about this umpteenth tragedy." It is a moment of shame, he said. "We pray for these brothers and sisters, and for so many who continue to die on these dramatic journeys. We also pray for those who can help but prefer to look the other way. We pray in silence..."

Pope Francis also asked for prayers for the victims in Iraq, of "the fire at a hospital for those suffering from Covid in Baghdad. So far 82 are dead", noted the Pope.

He then expressed his concern for the population "of the island of St Vincent where a volcanic eruption is causing damage and inconvenience."

Finally, Francis recalled that last Friday in Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala, José María Gran and nine fellow martyrs were beatified, three priests and seven lay people from the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, "killed between 1980 and 1991, a time of persecution against the Catholic Church committed to the defense of the poor." Animated by faith in Christ, he said, "they were heroic witnesses of justice and love. May their example make us more generous and courageous in living the Gospel."