Supporting Migrant Rescue Mission in the Mediterranean
As the Mare Jonio embarks on a crucial search and rescue mission in the Mediterranean, Pope Francis stands behind the joint effort by the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
By Joseph Tulloch – Trapani
Just over a week ago, Tunis and Casablanca in North Africa celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Trapani and Tunis.
This devotion, with roots in Tunis and the Sicilian town of Trapani, was introduced to North Africa by Italian immigrants who once thrived in the region a century ago.
It serves as a poignant reminder of a time when the Mediterranean was a two-way passage for those seeking a better life, a stark contrast to the current one-way flow of migrants and refugees, with 212,100 attempting the treacherous central Mediterranean crossing in 2023.
First Joint Mission
Mediterranea Saving Humans, a civil society platform dedicated to rescuing migrants at sea, set sail from Trapani on its 18th mission, this time in collaboration with the Italian Bishops’ Migrantes foundation.
In a heartfelt message, Pope Francis offered his blessings and prayers for the Mediterranea Saving Humans crew. The Pope’s words of encouragement and support were a testament to the vital mission at hand.
With the support of the Italian bishops, the Mare Jonio, along with a support ship comprising medical staff, volunteers, and journalists, prepares to brave the Mediterranean waters in search of those in need.
Mission in Progress
Vatican News is present on the ship, documenting the journey as the Mare Jonio and its companion venture into the vast sea.
Ahead of their departure, Mediterranea announced a decision to cease collaboration with the Tunisian coastguard due to mistreatment of migrants in Tunisia and a strict policy of only disembarking in Sicily.
Unified by Compassion
Despite their diverse backgrounds and beliefs, the members of Mediterranea are united by a shared commitment to helping those in need. Fr. Mattia Ferrari, the chaplain of the organization, emphasizes the importance of “visceral love” in bringing together individuals of all faiths and ideologies to address the plight of migrants.
