Global migration: Pope Leo XIV says humans must prevent a ‘second shipwreck’

…Warns human traffickers of divine justice

Pope Leo XIV has called on the world to prevent what he described as a ‘silent shipwreck’ that can occur after migrants arrive safely.

He stated that while many die attempting to cross the sea, others face isolation, exploitation and exclusion after reaching their destination.

The Canary Islands have become one of the European Union’s busiest migration frontiers in recent years. Located around 100 kilometres off the northwestern coast of Africa, the Spanish archipelago is often the first European territory reached by migrants and refugees departing from countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, Mali and Gambia.

The Atlantic route is considered one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors, with thousands attempting the crossing each year in overcrowded and often unseaworthy boats.

Many migrants arrive exhausted after days or weeks at sea, while countless others never made it to their destination alive.

“The sea which surrounds these islands brings us stories that we do not always know how to interpret: stories of pain, of hope and of searching,” Pope Leo stated.

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Pope Leo made this known on the final day of his Apostolic visit to Spain while meeting organisations working with migrants in Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna, in Tenerife, and called integration a shared responsibility that restores dignity and belonging, while urging human traffickers to repent before facing divine justice.

“There is also a silent shipwreck that occurs after arrival; without a voice, without ties, work or a sense of security.

“Integration means preventing that second shipwreck,” Pope Leo stated and commended the work of diocesan Caritas, migration offices, parishes and local organisations that accompany migrants beyond the immediate emergency phase and help them establish stable lives within society.

The Pope also addressed human traffickers, exploiters and criminal networks involved in the movement and abuse of vulnerable people.

“Stop. Repent. For every life lost, every family deceived, every body subjugated, every woman threatened, every worker exploited, you will have to appear before divine justice”, he said.

The Pope also condemned those who organise dangerous migration routes, exploit workers, threaten women and profit from desperation, warning that “the tears and blood of these brothers and sisters cry out to God.”

According to the Pope, the money wrested from the vulnerability of the poor will bring neither peace, nor honour, nor a future for traffickers.

He therefore urged human traffickers to free those they exploit, return what has been taken and seek reconciliation before it is too late.

Pope Leo called for a Christian response in welcoming migrants, adding that integration cannot be viewed solely as a social project.

The Pontiff stressed that the Gospel must be shared without imposing it and always with respect for freedom of conscience. “A Church that welcomes is also a Church that proclaims.”

According to him, migrants should encounter Christian communities capable of offering friendship, witness and accompaniment, along with practical support such as housing, language assistance, employment and legal protection.

Pope Leo pointed to the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt as a lasting symbol for migrants and refugees throughout history.

“The Holy Family of Nazareth, remains for all time a model and refuge for every refugee family, every migrant and every person forced to leave their homeland.”

The Pope spoke to a city without walls in his address and suggested that the image points to a deeper challenge.

“The barriers that are the hardest to break down are not always made of stone; sometimes they lie in our attitudes, in fear or in indifference.”