Mediterranean migrant tragedy

The Italian Coastguard are continuing their search for an estimated 150 people still missing, after the tragic sinking of their makeshift boat on Tuesday night south of Lampedusa, in what appear to have been Maltese waters. 53 migrants were rescued by the Italian coastguard Wednesday, the first to raise the alarm.

On Thursday the head of the Vatican Press Office, Fr Federico Lombardi SJ stated “the tragedy of the death at sea of a large number of migrants who from the North African coasts attempt to reach Europe has deeply troubled the Holy Father, who is following events with concern and solicitude for the migrants in this dramatic period”.

He added: “The Holy Father and the whole Church, remember in their prayers all victims of all nationalities and status, women and children, who lose their lives in the terrible journey to escape poverty, injustice or violence from which they are afflicted, in search of protection, welcome and more humane living conditions. Let us remember that among the victims of these tragedies in the Mediterranean there are Eritrean Catholics who were migrants in Libya and who also took part in the life of the Catholic community”.

The dramatic shipwreck took place in Maltese waters 39 miles from the island: about 150 people are still missing. At dawn Thursday searches resumed, but a force 5 sea surge has hampered efforts. And while Italy and Malta exchange accusations over whose responsibility it is to intervene and when necessary, rescue the men, women and children fleeing North Africa by the thousands in precarious boats, the voice of the Bishop of Agrigento, Msgr. Montenegro thunders: "These people are dead …the sea is not to blame for this disaster - he says - but indifference”.

Archbishop Antonio Maria Vegliò. President of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, also launched an appeal for greater solidarity and, more importantly greater hospitality for these people: “Europe needs to think seriously about what it means to remain in the region from which refugees are fleeing. It is generally stated that they should travel to neighbouring countries, but in Libya’s case this means refugees from that country should be accepted in Europe. In other words, Europe must take its responsibilities to fulfil its obligations to protect refugees and to demonstrate the true meaning of solidarity and sharing”.

The Vatican’s top official on migration then broke the situation down into practical term: “Last year Italy ranked 14th among industrialized countries, for the reception of refugees. The Netherlands, with a smaller area and less numerous population, received twice the number of refugees compared to Italy. France has also hosted more refugees, with a rate of 13%, while Italy only 2%. If we refer to the developing countries we see that South Africa has received 200,000 asylum seekers last year, and Kenya boasts a refugee population of 340,000 people”.

He continued “The events in Italy may seem dramatic, but they are also taking place in a certain context and we should not exaggerate what is happening. Secondly, we must distinguish between those who come from Libya and Tunisia by many, because they are two different situations. Those who come from Libya, now a war zone, should not be rejected and this was confirmed a few days ago by UNHCR, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Instead, those who come from Tunisia can fall into either category of migration; migrants and refugees. They should be subjected to a screening process (identification and reason for journey) to evaluate their right to protection, as Italy is correctly attempting to do. Equally important is the adoption of the "temporary permit", which offers solidarity to those who qualify for them, and encourages cooperation both within Italy and on a European level”.

Archbishop Vegliò concluded :“The intervention of the Italian bishops reflects the call of the Gospel concerning a human and fraternal welcome. The bishops have offered 2,500 places distributed in 93 dioceses. Europe needs to think seriously about what it means to remain in the region from which the refugees are fleeing. It is generally stated that they should travel to neighbouring countries, but in Libya’s case this means refugees from that country should be accepted in Europe. In other words, Europe must take its responsibilities to fulfil its obligations to protect refugees and to demonstrate the true meaning of solidarity and sharing”. Listen to Emer McCarthy's report: