ROME — Pope Francis has said that the international community shouldn’t tolerate acts of violence like the air attack that recently struck a detention center for migrants in Libya.

Francis prayed for the victims of the strike, which on Wednesday killed at least 44 people and wounded dozens, in what the U.N. said could amount to a war crime.

The pontiff also said he hoped “humanitarian corridors for the most needing migrants are organised in a concerted and extensive way.”

He also remembered the victims of bloodsheds that recently took place in Afghanistan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

The Libyan attack raised new questions about the European Union’s policy of cooperating with the militias that hold migrants in crowded detention centers to prevent them from crossing the Mediterranean.


Crux is dedicated to smart, wired and independent reporting on the Vatican and worldwide Catholic Church. That kind of reporting doesn’t come cheap, and we need your support. You can help Crux by giving a small amount monthly, or with a onetime gift. Please remember, Crux is a for-profit organization, so contributions are not tax-deductible.