Pope Leo called on European nations to strengthen their efforts to protect and integrate migrants during a visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, one of the main gateways for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa.

Addressing worshippers during a pastoral visit to the island, the pontiff urged European leaders to adopt a comprehensive and long-term strategy to address migration, combining immediate humanitarian assistance with sustainable policies for reception, protection, support and integration.

"Europe is capable of addressing the crisis in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants," Pope Leo said.

He also stressed that wealthier nations should help developing countries improve living conditions so that people are not forced to leave their homes in search of safety or opportunity.

During his visit, Pope Leo prayed at a cemetery dedicated to migrants who lost their lives attempting the Mediterranean crossing, met newly arrived migrants at the port, and celebrated Holy Mass with local residents.

Describing Lampedusa as a place that reflects one of Europe's greatest humanitarian challenges, the Pope said the island offers a clear view of the impact migration continues to have on European societies.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 14,000 migrants arrived in Italy during the first half of 2026, most departing from Libya. Nearly 60 percent of those arrivals landed on Lampedusa.

The pontiff also thanked the island's fishing and tourism communities, numbering around 6,000 residents, for the solidarity and compassion they have shown toward migrants over the years.

In a separate message marking the 250th anniversary of United States independence, Pope Leo appealed to Americans to continue welcoming immigrants, describing the protection of migrants as an essential expression of the Catholic commitment to defending human life and dignity.

"To receive immigrants with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person," he wrote in a letter addressed to the American people.

A day earlier, in a video message to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the Pope said that successive generations of immigrants helped build the United States and described "America" as a symbol of freedom around the world because of its long tradition of welcoming newcomers.