Politics

Pope Francis Visits Italian Migrant Island

Speaks out against 'global indifference' to the conditions endured by migrants on Lampedusa

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Pope Francis has said Mass for migrants on Italy's tiny island of Lampedusa, condemning the "global indifference" to their plight.

On arrival, he threw a wreath in the sea in memory of the many people who have drowned trying to reach Europe.

A small boat carrying 166 Africans—reportedly Eritreans—arrived at Lampedusa's port just hours before the Pope's plane touched down.

The island is struggling to cope with thousands of illegal migrants.