Pope urges Europe to do more for migrants while visiting gateway island

"From this far-flung corner of Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, one can more clearly perceive the momentous challenge that the phenomenon of Migration poses to European societies," the Pope told Catholics on the island.ReutersThe Pope also prayed at the graves of migrants who had died while making the journey from Africa"Europe is capable of addressing the crisis in this region in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants" while "assisting developing countries so that no one is forced to emigrate", he said.The island of Lampedusa - which sits 90 miles (145km) off Tunisia's coast - is home to a migrant reception centre that is overcrowded with challenging living conditions.Those who make the journey often travel in poorly maintained and overcrowded vessels, making sea crossings more perilous for those aboard.More than 1,400 people have died or gone missing while attempting to cross the ⁠Mediterranean this year, including 28 children, according to the UN's Migration" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="6664" data-entity-type="organization">International Organization for Migration.New migrants, rescue officials, members of aid groups and the Italian Coast Guard were among those to gather to see the Pope.The Pope "continues to accompany you, support you and encourage you", he told the gathering.