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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

Pope Leo urges US and Europe to do more for migrants on 4th July anniversary

Pope Leo XIV walks through the arch of the "Door of Europe" monument by Italian artist Mimmo Paladino, during his visit to Lampedusa island on July 4, 2026.
Pope Leo XIV walks through the arch of the "Door of Europe" monument by Italian artist Mimmo Paladino, during his visit to Lampedusa island on July 4, 2026. AFP - TIZIANA FABI

Pope Leo has urged his fellow Americans to welcome and protect immigrants as the United States marked the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday. During a visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa he also pressed Europe to do more for people fleeing war and poverty.

In a letter sent to Americans on the July 4 anniversary, US-born Pope Leo insisted that protecting the unborn and all human life also means “welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning".

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