Illegal migration needs political solution - Pope

Pope Benedict yesterday called for an effective political solution to deal with the human problems of illegal immigration from Africa to Europe.

Speaking to pilgrims and tourists at his summer residence south of Rome, the Pope said the hopes of illegal migrants seeking a better life often ended in tragedy on the high seas. He mentioned an accident last week in which some 70 Africa migrants went missing and were believed drowned in the central Mediterranean when their rubber boat capsized. Eight survivors were picked up by a Maltese fishing vessel from a dinghy which was taking in water some 70 kilometres off Malta.

"While it (illegal migration) reaches out for solidarity, at the same time it also calls for efficient political responses," the Pope said.

Each year tens of thousands of migrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East leave North African shores, often on craft that are not seaworthy, trying to reach Italy, Malta and Spain. The Pope said countries of origin should take measures to eliminate the causes of illegal immigration and "uproot all forms of criminality related to it".

European countries had a duty to protect the human needs of immigrants and all immigrants should respect national laws, he said.