Pope: Migrants' deaths should provoke sadness, action, not indifference

Pope Francis tosses a wreath of flowers into the Mediterranean Sea off the Italian island of Lampedusa in this July 8, 2013, file photo. The pope threw a wreath to honor the memory of immigrants who have died trying to cross from Africa to reach a new life in Europe. Marking the first anniversary of his Lampedusa visit, the pope said the the tragic deaths of thousands searching for a better future should trigger compassion and action, not indifference. (CNS photo)

The tragic deaths of thousands of men, women and children who die while searching for a better future should trigger compassion and action, not indifference, Pope Francis said.

"The problem of immigration is getting worse and other tragedies have unfortunately followed closely behind at a relentless pace," he said in a written message.

"It's difficult for our hearts to accept the death of these brothers and sisters, who brave exhausting journeys in order to escape ordeals, poverty, wars and conflicts often linked to international policies," the pope said.

In his message, the pope said he felt spiritually present "to cry with all those who are hurting and to toss flowers of prayers in suffrage for the women, men and children who are victims of a tragedy that seems endless."

The tragedy "demands to be confronted not with the logic of indifference, but with the logic of hospitality and community, with the aim of safeguarding and promoting the dignity and centrality of every human being," he said in his message.

He urged all Christians and people of goodwill to continue to help those in need, "taking them by the hand, without making calculations, without fear, with tenderness and understanding."

He also expressed hopes all the different agencies and institutions involved, "… may be more courageous and generous in coming to the aid of refugees."

Meanwhile, the Vatican observer to U.N. agencies in Geneva said protecting the freedom, dignity and safety of refugees "should take precedence over disproportionate concerns about state security."