This life jacket, which was once worn by a girl who drowned while crossing the Mediterranean Sea in an attempt to reach Europe, was given to the Vatican.
In 2016, a group of volunteers from the NGO, Proactiva Open Arms, presented the life jacket to Pope Francis after his trip to the Greek island of Lesbos, when he brought a number of refugees back to Rome with him.
OSCAR CAMPS
Founder, Proactiva Open Arms
“Our intention was to bring a bit of the reality of Lesbos with us. We have brought the life-vest of a 6-year-old girl that we were unable to rescue. She obviously drowned, along with her family. He was very moved when I explained the story. He grabbed her life-jacket and took it with him.”
Then in 2019, members of the NGO, Mediterranea Saving Humans, gave the Pope this cross with a life jacket that belonged to a refugee whose identity is unknown.
POPE FRANCIS
December 19, 2019
'I have decided to display this life-vest, 'crucified' on this cross, to remind us to keep our eyes open, to keep our hearts open, to remind everyone of the obligatory duty to save each human life. It is a moral responsibility that unites believers and non-believers.'
The life jacket is displayed at one of the entrances to the Apostolic Palace. It's a reminder of the suffering of thousands of people who are forced to leave everything and risk their lives in search of a better future.
CT
