Pope Francis recalls visit to Lesvos with Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Hieronymos

In expressing his solidarity and closeness to the victims of the fire that devastated the Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesvos, Pope Francis recalled during the Angelus on Sunday 13 September his historical visit to the island together with Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Hieronymos on 16 April 2016, at which time they launched a common appeal. Pope Francis reflected:

“Recently a series of fires has devastated the Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesvos, leaving thousands of people without refuge, albeit precarious. I have a vivid recollection of my visit there and the appeal launched together with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens, aimed at ensuring that a “humane reception in Europe” is offered to migrants, refugees and asylum–seekers (16 April 2016). I express my solidarity and closeness to all the victims in these dramatic circumstances”.