{{Pope Francis has said Mass for migrants on Italy’s tiny island of Lampedusa, condemning the “global indifference” to their plight.}}<\/p>\n
On arrival, he threw a wreath in the sea in memory of the many people who have drowned trying to reach Europe.<\/p>\n
A small boat carrying 166 Africans – reportedly Eritreans – arrived at Lampedusa’s port just hours before the Pope’s plane touched down.<\/p>\n
The island is struggling to cope with thousands of illegal migrants.<\/p>\n
Lampedusa, about 80 miles (120km) from Tunisia, is one of the nearest gateways to Europe for Africans fleeing poverty and conflict.<\/p>\n
Tens of thousands of migrants have made the dangerous crossing in recent years, usually packed into rickety wooden boats exposed to the elements.<\/p>\n
As Francis arrived on a coast guard ship, dozens of Lampedusan fishing boats sailed in nearby.<\/p>\n
The Pope is on his first pastoral visit outside Rome since his election in March.<\/p>\n
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