Pope Francis returned to Rome with a dozen Syrian migrants after visiting the Greek island of Lesbos, according to Saturday reports.
{mosads}Francis had visited the frontline of Europe’s immigration crisis in order to draw attention to “our common humanity,” he said in an emotional speech.
The Vatican confirmed that the pope brought 12 Syrian migrants back with him to Italy from the Greek trip.
“The Pope has desired to make a gesture of welcome regarding refugees, accompanying on his plane to Rome three families of refugees from Syria, 12 people in all, including six children,” the Vatican said in a statement provided to Reuters.
Refugees wept at the pope’s feet as he toured the Moria detention center with two Orthodox Christian leaders. The Vatican is already hosting two migrant families, and in his remarks the pontiff said he hoped his visit would bring attention to the refugees’ struggle.
“We hope that the world will heed these scenes of tragic and indeed desperate need, and respond in a way worthy of our common humanity,” he said. “May all our brothers and sisters on this continent, like the Good Samaritan, come to your aid in the spirit of fraternity, solidarity and respect for human dignity that has distinguished its long history.”