Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

VATICAN CITY — Working to turn migrants away from the prospect of peace and security in a new country is “a grave sin,” Pope Francis said.

“It needs to be said clearly: There are those who systematically work by all means to drive away migrants, and this, when done knowingly and deliberately, is a grave sin,” he stated during his general audience on August 28.

The pope began his audience in St. Peter’s Square by explaining that he would “postpone the usual catechesis” — currently focused on a series of talks about the Holy Spirit — to discuss “the people who — even at this moment — are crossing seas and deserts to reach a land where they can live in peace and security.”

“Brothers and sisters, we can all agree on one thing: Migrants should not be in those seas and in those lethal deserts,” he remarked. “And, unfortunately, they are there.”

However, migrants cannot be deterred from these deadly crossings “through more restrictive laws, nor through the militarization of borders, nor through rejections,” the pope emphasized. He proposed that solutions lie in expanding safe and legal avenues for migrants, facilitating sanctuary for those fleeing wars, violence, persecution, and many calamities; fostering global governance of migration based on justice, fraternity, and solidarity.

Everyone must join forces “to combat human trafficking” and “stop the criminal traffickers who mercilessly exploit the misery of others,” he added.

“What kills migrants is our indifference and that attitude of rejection,” Pope Francis asserted. Praising many "good Samaritans" and organizations supporting migrants' causes, he noted that ordinary people must also engage in alleviating migration issues.

“We cannot be on the front line but we are not excluded; there are many ways for one to make their contribution; first of all prayer,” Pope Francis urged visitors directly: “Do you pray for migrants? For those who come to our lands to save their lives?”

Following his question with a pause for reflection, Pope Francis specifically mentioned Mediterranea Saving Humans — an Italian NGO rescuing migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea — as being "on the front line" of addressing migrant crises. The group posted a message on social media August 24 stating that the pope had blessed the crew of a ship set for a rescue mission organized with Italy's bishops’ conference migration office.

According to the U.N. Refugee Agency data from 2023 indicates 4,110 people died or went missing while crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

Referring to migrant deaths in these crossings as preventable tragedies was highlighted by Pope Francis: “The tragedy is that many—the majority—of these deaths could have been prevented.”

Reflecting on areas like seas and deserts crossed by migrants seeking better lives carries biblical significance as places symbolizing suffering but also passage towards liberation. Yet these regions have become "migrant cemeteries," according to Pope Francis. He stressed some deaths occur under dire circumstances such as abandonment in deserts.

“To accompany people on their journey to freedom God himself crosses sea and desert," stated Pope Francis. "God does not remain at a distance...He shares in their drama."

“God suffers with them [migrants], weeps with them...and hopes with them,” concluded Pope Francis.