Pope Francis On the Great Migrant Debate
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Pope Francis has now declared that allowing migrants to die at sea is an "attack against life" similar to euthanasia or abortion. This announcement comes as the numbers of migrants and asylum seekers dying in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Libya have skyrocketed in the past year-30 times more than during the same months of 2014, almost 1,800 according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The Pope's comments were part of his address of the Italian Science and Life Association this past weekend. His overarching point was that technological advancements were not the sole measure of a civilization's progress, and that attention to life and the ability to "protect life during the most fragile stages" is just as important.
"Abortion is an attack against life. Leaving our brothers on boats to die in the Sicilian channel is an attack against life," the pontiff said.
This discussion also coincides with a major incident in which EU and Italian officials carried out 22 rescue operations in a 24 hour period, saving approximately 4,200 migrants en route to Italy. The 17 migrants found dead thus far will be autopsied as the investigation continues.
Officials seem to believe that the causes of the mass migration and the deaths are not exactly the same. Migrants are coming to escape desperate poverty as asylum seekers flee war and violence. But the IOM cites more and more people crowding onto less secure boats-not increased total numbers.
The migrants, whatever their reasons, are enduring extreme conditions in their bid for a better life. Hundreds crowd onto boats that are less than seaworthy. And many are abused and imprisoned along their route.
The Pope and other Vatican officials have leveled pointed criticism toward EU migration policy.
"What is the cause of immigration and refugees?. . .Until there is an end to poverty and war, nothing will change."
Cardinal Veglio also described the EU's quota system as "not very humane and not very Christian," calling on the EU to seek out longterm, strategic policies in favor of temporary fixes for emergencies.
This is one of many strong stances the Vatican is taking at this point-inspiring new hope in many and harsh criticism from many others.
