Vatican City (AFP) – Calls for compassion for migrants suffering in North Africa and those attempting to reach Europe or die trying will be at the heart of Pope Francis's visit to Marseille this week. More than 2,300 migrants have died so far this year attempting the Mediterranean crossing from North Africa, according to the UN. Mediterranean 'cemetery'The Marseille event, "Mediterranean Meetings", will look at themes including economic inequality, migration and climate change. The pope is expected to speak to bishops active in North Africa in particular about the challenges there. But it's not the biggest: the biggest cemetery is in North Africa," Francis told reporters in August.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 18, 2023 02:27 UTC