Antonino Raspanti: 'Leo XIV's visit to Lampedusa is a signal to Europe's politicians. Rules and reception must be united'

The visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lampedusa carries significant historical, geopolitical, and social weight, according to Antonino Raspanti, president of the Sicilian Episcopal Conference and bishop of Acireale.

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When I learned of Leo XIV's visit to Lampedusa, I felt great emotion. I believe this visit has considerable historical, geopolitical, social, and religious value. In continuity with Francis, Leo XIV places the love for one's neighbor, the attention towards the weakest, at the center of the evangelical message.

Raspanti stated that the Pope's choice to visit Lampedusa on July 4th underscores a commitment to the Church's social doctrine, emphasizing solidarity with the most vulnerable. He sees this as a continuation of Pope Francis's pastoral approach, placing the love for one's neighbor and care for the weak at the center of the evangelical message.

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The fact that Leo XIV chooses July 4th to come to Lampedusa – and not go elsewhere – has great geopolitical value deeply linked to the social doctrine of the Church, namely that of standing by the least fortunate.

"The fact that Leo XIV chooses July 4th to come to Lampedusa – and not go elsewhere – has great geopolitical value deeply linked to the social doctrine of the Church, namely that of standing by the least fortunate," Raspanti explained. He highlighted that migrants arriving in Lampedusa, with their existential difficulties, represent the most fragile and require assistance, just as Italians in need do.

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It is right to welcome people fleeing wars, horrible violence, and misery, just as we help the many Italians who suffer in our country. Of course, it is appropriate for governments to address the issue of regulated reception; the position of those who exploit citizens' fears, aiming to reject everyone with selfish attitudes, is wrong.

Raspanti criticized political stances that exploit citizens' fears to promote rejection, advocating instead for regulated reception. He views Lampedusa as a symbol of the Global South and stressed that Europe has a crucial role in defending civil rights, international law, and solidarity. He believes Europe should be an "oasis of freedom" but warned that failing to welcome migrants, leading to deaths at sea, would signify a failure of its core values.

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Europe has a crucial role in defending civil rights, international law, and solidarity. As emerged from his recent trip to Spain, he urges Europe because he considers it essential in defending the values of democracy and pushes it to assume a more important role internationally in defending the equality of all human beings.