First American pope marks July 4 on migrant island with plea for ‘compassion and generosity’

Key Points:

• Pope Leo XIV visited Lampedusa, the main entry point for African migrants to Europe, urging Americans to welcome immigrants with compassion and generosity, highlighting their contributions to U.S. history.
• In a letter marking the U.S. 250th anniversary, the pope emphasized that protecting human life includes welcoming and assisting immigrants, framing it as both charity and recognition of human dignity.
• During his visit, the pope paid respects at a memorial for migrants who died crossing the Mediterranean, met migrant families, and blessed a plaque dedicated to Pope Francis's 2013 visit.
• At an open-air Mass, Pope Leo called on European leaders to develop comprehensive plans for receiving, protecting, and integrating migrants, while supporting developing countries to reduce forced migration.
• The pope stressed that addressing the migrant crisis is a shared responsibility involving public institutions, civil society, and the Church, advocating for more humane global policies.