Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed concern over the irregular migration crisis that recently affected the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, calling for solutions based on peace, stability and justice.
During the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, the Pope delivered a message in Spanish dedicated to Ceuta, saying he was following developments with concern and praying, through the intercession of Our Lady of Africa, that all parties would find peaceful, stable and just solutions.
The statement marks the first public comment by the head of the Catholic Church on the crisis that drew international attention following the unprecedented wave of irregular crossings into Ceuta.
The Pope’s appeal comes as tensions have begun to ease, with border traffic gradually returning to normal and migrant return operations to Morocco continuing under heightened security on both sides of the frontier.
He also issued a broader humanitarian appeal, remembering the victims of wars and violence, particularly children, the elderly and the sick, while expressing support for all those providing humanitarian assistance and relief efforts.