Death of migrants a humanitarian tragedy: Pope Francis

Pope Francis said the deaths of several migrants in the Mediterranean were a “wound to humanity”, amid a series of boat failures in the Mediterranean last week. He also prayed for the 41 people who died in the boat sinking accident on Wednesday, in which four people survived and managed to reach the Italian island. He described as “painful and shameful” the UN figures show that more than 2,000 migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean so far this year. Addressing the Christian pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he said that this is a painful wound for humanity. He said he appreciated the efforts of politicians and diplomats who wanted to alleviate the suffering of migrants in a spirit of humanitarian and brotherhood. He also lauded the efforts of those, including rescue workers, who helped save the boats from sinking.