Pope to defend migrants at Mediterranean island frontier

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Pope Leo XIV visited Italy's Lampedusa island, a critical Mediterranean migration point, to defend migrants and send a strong message to US and EU leaders about migration policies. His visit coincides with the US Independence Day, highlighting US migration frontline issues.

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visits Italy's Lampedusa island, a major port of call for migrants risking the perilous crossing from Africa, in a stark message to US and EU leaders. The Catholic Church's first US pope, who has clashed with the administration of President Donald Trump over its treatment of migrants, will mark July 4, the United States' 250th anniversary of independence, on a migration frontline.