Highlighting the lives of migrants was a central theme during Pope Francis’ leadership. His tenure coincided with escalating refugee situations in the Mediterranean, burgeoning migrant numbers in the Americas, and waning public compassion, resulting in stricter global immigration policies.
Francis consistently championed the cause of migrants – from extending a helping hand by welcoming asylum-seekers from congested island camps into the Vatican to openly criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s border policies. On the eve of his demise, Francis had a brief encounter with Vice President JD Vance, with whom he had previously exchanged heated remarks over deportation strategies.
Some poignant instances of Francis advocating for migrants:
July 8, 2013, Lampedusa, Italy
In his initial pastoral journey outside Rome post-election, Francis visited Lampedusa, an Italian isle in the Mediterranean that often served as the destination for many perilous migration attempts from North Africa. He addressed the plight of migrants who had experienced suffering in Libya and condemned the “globalization of indifference” prevalent in response to those risking their lives for a new start in Europe. A decade later, during a September 2023 visit to the diverse French port city of Marseille, Francis once again denounced the “fanaticism of indifference” as European policymakers increased border controls in reaction to rising anti-immigration sentiment.
April 16, 2016, Lesbos, Greece
At the height of the refugee crisis — characterized by masses fleeing civil war in Syria and conflicts in other regions — Francis visited Lesbos, a Greek island overwhelmed by migrants. On this mission, the Pope facilitated the relocation of three Muslim families to Italy aboard the papal plane, a move he described as “just a drop in the ocean” but emphasized that it marked a change. Reflecting on his legacy during a hospitalization in early 2025, a family among those that settled in Rome acknowledged Francis’ impact. “He intended to spark a global dialogue highlighting that there’s no need to fear undocumented migrants,” Hasan Zaheda commented. His wife, Nour Essa, added, “He strived to amplify migrant voices to show that these individuals are human beings striving to escape war.” The Pope’s passing deeply affected them, causing them to grieve alongside the global community.
February 17, 2016, at the US-Mexico Border
While conducting a mass at Ciudad Juarez near the U.S. border, a ceremony broadcasted live to El Paso, Texas, Francis implored for compassion toward “the human tragedy that is forced migration.” When queried by a reporter during his flight back to Rome, Francis remarked that individuals advocating for building walls could not be considered “Christian.” This statement was a direct response to Trump, who was then a presidential hopeful pushing for such measures. Trump criticized the Pope, stating it was “disgraceful” to cast doubt on a person’s faith.
October 24, 2021, Vatican City
As Italy and other European nations faced growing pressures to curb illegal migration, Pope Francis fervently urged an end to the practice of returning people rescued at sea to dangerous countries like Libya. He labeled Libyan detention camps as “true concentration camps” and highlighted the Mediterranean Sea’s tragic status as the world’s largest migrant graveyard, with over 30,000 deaths since 2014.
February 12, 2025, Vatican City
With Donald Trump’s re-election partly fueled by public frustration over illegal immigration, Pope Francis rebuked U.S. plans for mass deportations, labeling them a “disgrace.” Responding to Trump’s aggressive immigration policy shifts, the pope warned U.S. bishops of the moral consequences. “Deporting people fleeing dire conditions harms many people’s dignity,” he wrote. U.S. border czar Tom Homan fired back, likening the Vatican’s walls to U.S. borders, suggesting the pontiff should refrain from immigration discourse.
During Vice President JD Vance’s Easter weekend visit, discussions were held with Cardinal Pietro Parolin regarding international conflicts, migrants, and detainees. Although the Holy See affirmed good relations, differences of opinion were acknowledged on these critical matters.