The bishops have expressed regret at the death of more than 200 migrants whose boat sank off the Libyan coast on Monday.
The tragedy is the latest in a series of accidents as migrants leave the North African country on flimsy boats in an attempt to reach Europe.
At least 17 people died and 200 were feared drowned after the boat they were on capsized just outside Libyan waters. More than 200 migrants were rescued by merchant ships in an operation coordinated by the Italian navy.
In a short message, Archbishop Paul Cremona, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech and Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna called on the civil authorities and groups that operate among migrants to continue working “in favour of human life”.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees also voiced regret at the latest tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea, adding it launched an information campaign with the Libyan coastguard and others to warn people of the risks involved in trips on unseaworthy boats.
The UNHCR said it was deeply saddened at the rising death toll as increasing numbers of asylum seekers and refugees made the treacherous journey, often at the hands of ruthless smugglers.
The dead included 12 women, three children and two men. Two merchant ships from France and Vanuatu rescued 226 people who were later examined by Italian doctors.
Fundamental Rights Agency director Morten Kjaerum said “no one country can solve the issue alone” and Europe had to act together to find long-term comprehensive solutions to address all aspects of migration from cause to effect.
The EU needed a more comprehensive approach leading to a joint commitment by all Mediterranean coastal and other states to alleviate the pressure on countries of first arrival, improving maritime safety and assisting migrants in distress, among others.
The tragedy follows several shipwrecks off the Libyan coast over the past fortnight, in which 121 people are believed to have died. The Libyan coastguard rescued 134 people.
In the wake of the tragedy, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called on the EU to do more to stem the deaths in the Mediterranean Sea and help Italy deal with the migration phenomenon. It was a message reiterated by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.