Pope Francis took three families of Syrian refugees back to Rome on Saturday after visiting the frontline of Europe’s migrant crisis at a camp in Greece where migrants wept at his feet, kissed his hand and begged for help.
At a sprawling fenced complex on the Aegean island of Lesbos, adults and children broke down in tears before the head of the Roman Catholic church, after their onward journey to Europe was cut short by an EU decision to block a migrant route used by a million people fleeing conflict since early 2015.
While borders have now largely been shut for migrants, Pope Francis symbolically took a small group of refugees with him on his aircraft as he left the island after a five-hour visit. “The Pope has desired to make a gesture of welcome regarding refugees, accompanying on his plane to Rome three families of refugees from Syria, 12 people in all, including six children,” a statement issued by the Vatican said.
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The individuals were selected from lots drawn, media reports said. They had been in camps before a deal between the EU and Turkey came into effect to halt the migrant flow on March 20. Sant’Egidio, a Christian community which offers help for those in need and headquartered in Rome, will be looking after the families.
‘You are not alone’
Pope Francis, leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, shook hands with hundreds of people as hundreds more were penned behind metal barriers at the Moria camp, which holds some 3,000 people. “Freedom, freedom,” migrants chanted as the Pope walked through the hillside facility in scorching sun. Some women ululated.
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“I want to tell you, you are not alone,” Pope Francis said in a speech at the camp. “[A]s people of faith, we wish to join our voices to speak out on your behalf. Do not lose hope!” he said, flanked by Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, and Greek Archbishop Ieronymos.
The Pope has often defended refugees and urged Catholic parishes in Europe to host them. His first trip after becoming pontiff in 2013 was to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, which, like Lesbos, has received thousands of refugees.
Pope Francis and Orthodox leaders later threw wreaths into the sea to commemorate those who died. They’ stood silently, with heads bowed, as wreaths of yellow and white flowers bobbed over the water.