Pope Leo used his Canary Islands visit to defend migrants, condemn traffickers and press Europe to protect people risking deadly Atlantic crossings. The islands received a record 46,843 migrants in 2024, while thousands died trying to reach Spain.
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Pope Leo appealed for humane treatment of migrants during a visit to the Canary Islands, warning that dignity “has no passport.” The trip comes as Spain expands legal status for many undocumented migrants while a new EU pact tightens border and deportation rules.
At least 61 migrants, including women and children, have died after a boat capsized off the coast of Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Survivors reported that 61 migrants were missing and presumed dead, and the victims were from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries. The IOM has called for "urgent action" to prevent further loss of life and urged governments to provide safe and legal pathways for migrants.