Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer last Sunday, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to the tragic loss of lives, once again, in the Mediterranean sea. We ought to be ashamed, said the Pope, remembering the 130 victims who died in the shipwreck off the coast of Libya.

In a heartfelt appeal, Pope Francis assured his closeness to those people who “for two whole days begged in vain for help. Help that never came”. They are people, said the Pope. Human lives.

The Pope then asked that everyone question themselves “about this umpteenth tragedy”.

It is a moment of shame, continued the Pope, “We pray for these brothers and sisters, and for so many who continue to die on these dramatic journeys. We also pray for those who can help but prefer to look the other way. We pray in silence.”

ENDS