In front of the monument to migrants in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis dedicated a prayer for all those who have had to flee their country.
Members of the Synod on Synodality were also present. The Pope spoke of the "unscrupulous traffickers" who take advantage of the vulnerability of migrants and refugees.
POPE FRANCIS
It is necessary to increase efforts to combat criminal networks, which exploit the dreams of migrants. But it is equally necessary to provide safer routes. For this, efforts must be made to broaden regular migration channels.
Pope Francis expressed his regret that the current migration routes are teeming with "wounded and half-dead men and women."
POPE FRANCIS
For many, unfortunately, it is too late and we can only weep over their graves, if they have one, or else the Mediterranean has become their grave. But the Lord knows the face of each one, and He does not forget it.
The Pope asked for a moment of silence to remember the migrants who have died on their journey or have been enslaved.
Behind Pope Francis was a bronze sculpture with life-size figures. It depicts a group of migrants of various origins and historical periods on a raft and in the middle of them are the wings of an angel.
PA
TR: KG
