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

The Pope, speaking to pilgrims and tourists at his summer residence south of Rome, said the hopes of illegal migrants seeking a better life often ended in tragedy on the high seas.

He mentioned an incident last week in which some 70 Africa migrants went missing and were believed killed in the central Mediterranean when their rubber boat capsized.

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

They are often the victims of unscrupulous human traffickers who charge large amounts for the risky voyage.

The pope said countries of origin should take measures to eliminate the causes of illegal immigration and "uproot all form 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.