Many migrants traveled across the Mediterranean Sea in small boats Over the past decade Lampedusa had become a main entry point into Europe But the route from North Africa to Lampedusa was dangerous Many migrants drowned or died from the cold In fact more than 80 percent of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean Sea happened on the way to the island Pope Francis planned his visit after hearing about the dangers migrants faced He spoke to migrants who survived the trip and paid his 6
respects to those who died He also held Mass the main worship service in the Catholic Church Most of the migrants on the island were Muslims Pope Francis wanted to encourage peace between Catholics who practice Christianity and Muslims who practice Islam Pope Francis’s visit served as a message to the world He urged nations in Europe to help and welcome migrants His visit also sent a message to the Catholic Church It reminded Catholics of their responsibility to care for people in need In the years to come his agenda for change would both inspire and anger the world THINK ABOUT IT Pope Francis used his actions to send a message What is one issue you care about What action could you take to show that 7
CHAPTER 2 THE HISTORY OF POPES The The term pope comes from the Greek word pappas which means father This name reflects the pope’s role as leader of the Roman Catholic Church With 1 2 billion members Catholicism is one of the largest religions in the world The pope addresses problems affecting Catholics and guides their beliefs on religious issues The pope also serves as the bishop of Rome He is the head of Vatican City as well A statue of Peter the first pope stands in front of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City 9
