Pope Francis urges Europe to save migrants at sea

Pope Francis on Friday said European governments had a duty to rescue asylum-seekers who take to sea to escape conflict, on the first day of a visit to the French Mediterranean city of Marseille. The 86-year-old is visiting to take part in a meeting of Mediterranean-area Catholic bishops and young people.
In remarks addressing migrants lost at sea, he emphasized that saving people in distress is a responsibility of humanity and civilization. He cautioned governments against the "fanaticism of indifference" and the "paralysis of fear." A surge in migrant boats arriving from North Africa on the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa last week triggered outrage in Italy and a heated debate across Europe over how to share responsibility for the influx.