Pope Leo XIV waves as a breeze lifts his white mozzetta at the conclusion of the Jubilee of Youth in Rome’s Tor Vergata neighborhood Aug. 3, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV addressed the world on Sunday, August 31, during the Angelus prayer, condemning what he described as a “silent tragedy” off the coast of Nouadhibou in Mauritania.
A migrant boat carrying hundreds of passengers sank a few days earlier, claiming at least 50 lives, while around 100 remain missing.
Speaking to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff expressed his “deep sorrow” for the victims, most of whom were from West Africa.
The International Organization for Migration reports that more than 2,000 people have died since the beginning of 2025 attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean or Atlantic routes.
The Atlantic corridor, linking Senegal, Mauritania, and the Canary Islands, is particularly perilous, with one in five vessels disappearing without a trace.
“Every life counts, we cannot remain indifferent,” Pope Leo XIV stressed, calling for a dignified reception and humane solutions to the migration crisis.
Beyond the Mauritanian tragedy, the Pope extended his appeal to other regions suffering from violence and conflict.
He mentioned the victims in Darfur, children caught in urban violence, and civilians affected by the war in Ukraine, where recent bombings have again claimed innocent lives.
“Let us pray to God to stop the pandemic of weapons, large and small, that is infecting our world,” he urged.
The Holy See continues to advocate for safe migration corridors, stronger international cooperation, and mobilization by wealthy nations to protect vulnerable populations.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV delivered a universal message of solidarity and peace.
“It is time to move from fear to acceptance, from closure to fraternity,” he said, emphasizing that the migrant tragedy is not solely an African issue but a shared responsibility of humanity.
As rescue operations continue off the coast of Nouadhibou, the Pope’s words resonate both as a prayer and a warning: without collective action, tragedies at sea are destined to recur, and the international community cannot remain a passive witness to human suffering.
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