The refugee section of the Emigrants’ Commission this morning echoed Pope Francis' call that competent institutions, especially those at European level, would be more courageous and generous with refugees and immigrants.

The Pope expressed his hope in a message to Archbishop Francesco Montenegro of Agrigento on the occasion of his visit to Lampedusa in July 2013 during which he prayed for African immigrants who lost their lives when the boat they were on overturned.

While the immigration problem was worsening, the Pope called for the problem not to be treated with indifference but with hospitality and sharing to protect and promote the dignity of all people.

“Our heart struggles to accept the death of these, our brothers and sisters, who face extenuating journeys to escape from dramatic situations, poverty, wars and conflicts, often linked to international politics. Once again I spiritually reach out to the Mediterranean Sea to weep with all those who suffer and to launch flowers of prayer for the souls of the women, men and children who are victims of a drama that seems to be without end.”

At the beginning of the month, the Italian authorities found 30 people dead in a fishing boat which was carrying nearly 600 immigrants.

At the end of the week, the Italians saved more than 2,600 migrants crossing the Mediterranean. The number of migrants arriving in Italy this year had surpassed records with more than 65,000.