Pope Leo expressed his sorrow over another shipwreck along the migration route considered the Atlantic's deadliest. The death toll is uncertain from the August 27 wreck, but it's thought as many as 140 people died, since rescuers were only able to save 17 people, according to InfoMigrants.
The Holy Father noted the tragedy after he prayed the midday Angelus on Sunday, August 31.
Our hearts are also wounded by the more than 50 people who died and the 100 or so still missing following the shipwreck of a boat carrying migrants attempting the 1,100 km- (685 mile-) journey towards the Canary Islands, that capsized off the Atlantic coast of Mauritania.
This deadly tragedy is repeated every day all over the world. Let us pray that the Lord will teach us, as individuals and societies, fully to put into practice his words: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35).
We entrust all our injured, missing and dead, everywhere, to our Savior’s loving embrace.
According to InfoMigrants, the boat departed from Gambia, carrying more than 160 people chiefly of Senegalese and Gambian origin.
The route to reach Spain's Canary Islands is the deadliest, according to InfoMigrants.
Over 10,400 migrants died or disappeared at sea while attempting to reach Spain in 2024 alone, according to the NGO Caminando Fronteras.
The actual number of deaths however is likely much higher, as many boats that suffer shipwreck are never found.
Ukraine
After the Angelus, Pope Leo also spoke of the continued suffering in Ukraine, urging the faithful not to "give in to indifference."
Sadly, the war in Ukraine continues to sow death and destruction. Even in recent days, bombings have struck several cities, including the capital Kyiv, causing numerous casualties. I renew my closeness to the Ukrainian people and to all the injured families. I ask everyone not to give in to indifference, but to draw close to them through prayer and concrete gestures of charity.
I strongly reiterate my urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and a serious commitment to dialogue. Now is the time for those responsible to renounce the logic of weapons and take the path of negotiation and peace, with the support of the international community. The voice of weapons must be silenced, while the voice of fraternity and justice must be raised.
The Holy Father went on to speak of weapons in response to the school shooting in Minneapolis.
See details below:
