Pope Leo used a visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa on Saturday to urge European leaders to do more to help desperate migrants risking dangerous Mediterranean crossings, as arrivals on the frontline island topped 7,000 this year.

Leo, who drew the ire of Donald Trump last year after calling the US president's hardline anti-immigration policies "inhuman", called on the world to become "more human" and to help those fleeing war or poverty.

"Those who have lost their lives in this sea are victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made," the pope said as part of a sombre day visit, made as his native United States celebrated its 250th anniversary.

The first US-born pope urged Europe to tackle migration "in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants".

Lampedusa, which lies between Tunisia, Malta and Sicily, sits on one of the world's deadliest migration routes.

Many migrants arrive after crossing the Mediterranean in overcrowded boats and makeshift vessels.

The visit echoed that of Pope Francis, who made Lampedusa the destination of his first trip outside Rome after becoming pope in 2013.

Among those gathered near Italy's southernmost port to see the pope were newly arrived migrants, Italian Coast Guard search-and-rescue officials and aid groups.

Leo told them he had come to show that the pope "continues to accompany you, support you and encourage you".

He also urged European leaders to help improve conditions in migrants' home countries so that fewer people feel compelled to leave. (AFP)



Edited by Tony Sabine