(Vatican Radio) Divers in Italy have recovered more bodies from the boat of African
migrants that sank on Thursday off the island of Lampedusa.Seventy four bodies were
found on Sunday, bringing the official death toll to 185. About 150 people are still
missing. Apostleship of the Sea Chaplains provide migrants, regardless of their
faith, with pastoral and practical assistance when they reach unfamiliar shores. Lydia
O’Kane spoke to AoS National Director, Martin Foley, about the role of the Chaplain
when a tragdedy like Lampedusa occurs. He says, “As we have seen again this week in
Lampedusa, they are often there on the front line, who are the first responders and
they need our support as well because this work is incredibly emotionally draining.” Mr
Foley, also recalls Pope Francis’ words while on a recent visit to Lampedusa when
he said that ‘we have fallen into a globalization of indifference. We are accustomed
to the suffering of others, it doesn’t concern us, it’s none of our business.” This
the AoS National Director says is something our port chaplains continue to encounter.
Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s interview with Martin Foley