Migrants meet the Pope: he is like a father to us all

By Alessandro De Carolis

Pope Francis’ meeting with migrants on Tuesday afternoon was not the first of its kind. However, each time it follows a similar pattern and, each time, “a great moment of grace” is repeated.

A group of migrants visited Casa Santa Marta to get to know a man they consider a “father” and a “shepherd for all,” in the words of Dona Mattia Ferrari, who accompanied the group.

Authors share their stories

The central figures at Tuesday’s meeting were two young people, Ibrahim Lo from Senegal and Ebrima Kuyateh from Gambia, both of whom travelled through Libya to come to Europe.

Ibrahim is the author of Panel and water. From Senegal to Italy via Libya (“Bread and water. From Senegal to Italy via Libya”) and My voice. From the shores of Africa to the confines of Europe “My Voice. From the Shores of Africa to the Streets of Europe”), while Ebrima shared her story in a book with the eloquent title, I am in my bare feet (“Me, my bare feet”) with a preface by Erio Castellucci, Archbishop of Modena-Nonantola and Bishop of Carpi, among others, and an afterword by Stefano Croci, director of Migrantes.

Other members of the group who met with Pope Francis included Father Mattia Ferrari, Stefano Croci, director of Migrantes Carpi, Giulia Bassoli, a volunteer from the same section, Luca Casarini, founder and mission leader of Mediterranea Saving Humans and special guest of the Synod of Bishops, and Sister Adriana Dominici, a consecrated sister of Spin Time Labs in Rome.

Stories of hell and hope

Father Mattia explained that Pope Francis wanted to listen to their stories and thank “everyone for what they do and what they live,” and he encouraged them “to continue.”

One such story came from Pato, who had already met Pope Francis in November 2023. The death of thirst of Pato’s wife, Fati, and daughter Marie while crossing the desert last year struck consciences around the world.

But these stories of hell were mixed with stories of hope that the migrants wanted to share with the Holy Father. Their experiences, especially the welcome received by these young people, said Father Mattia, demonstrate that, whether at sea or on land, “when we save or welcome the poor, the migrants, it is they who save us.” And this shows that “in love, in the fraternity that we live with the poor, with the migrants, we experience salvation.”