Pope Francis: The Mediterranean has become a huge cemetery

Pope Francis visited the monument built in memory of immigrants and sailors who lost their lives at sea as part of his two-day visit to the southern French city of Marseille.

Speaking in Marseille about migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean in search of a better future escaping war, poverty and natural disasters, Pope Francis said: “The sea before us is a source of life and at the same time evokes the ship tragedy. Accidents that cause death. “This magnificent sea (Mediterranean) has become a huge cemetery.” he made the assessment of it.

Emphasizing that those who died at sea should not be considered just a number, Pope Francis noted that these people had names, surnames and stories.

Pope Francis said: “I think of all our brothers and sisters who drowned at sea with the hope they carried in their hearts. You are faced with such drama, words are not enough, action is required. “Before this, humanity is needed.” he said.

The spiritual leader of Catholics pointed out that it is humanity’s duty to save those who are at risk of drowning at sea. (AA)