February 12, 2026

Pope Francis says migrant crisis is 'biggest tragedy' since Second World War

Associated Press
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Pope Francis has described Europe's refugee and migrant crisis as the biggest tragedy since the Second World War.

Francis urged tourists and pilgrims in St Peter's Square during his weekly public audience on Wednesday "not to forget" the problem but instead welcome and help refugees. He also encouraged efforts to integrate them in society.

He said integration should keep in mind "the reciprocal rights and duties of those who welcome and those who are welcomed."

Francis repeatedly urged Europe to do more to help the hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and economic migrants who had arrived in recent years.

On Friday, Francis will have the opportunity to urge Europe to improve ways to handle the migrant crisis when he addresses leaders of the European Union nations on the eve of a summit in Rome.

Pope Francis has described Europe's refugee and migrant crisis as the biggest tragedy since the Second World War.

Francis urged tourists and pilgrims in St Peter's Square during his weekly public audience on Wednesday "not to forget" the problem but instead welcome and help refugees. He also encouraged efforts to integrate them in society.

He said integration should keep in mind "the reciprocal rights and duties of those who welcome and those who are welcomed."

Francis repeatedly urged Europe to do more to help the hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and economic migrants who had arrived in recent years.

On Friday, Francis will have the opportunity to urge Europe to improve ways to handle the migrant crisis when he addresses leaders of the European Union nations on the eve of a summit in Rome.

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