Pope Leo XIV Sends Telegram of Prayer for Victims of the Migrant Shipwreck that Left At Least 90 Dead

Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram expressed condolences for the victims of the shipwreck of a migrant vessel off Yemen’s coast. A telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin was sent to the Apostolic Nuncio in Yemen and Apostolic Delegate to the Arabian Peninsula, Archbishop Zakhia El-Kassis, who will deliver it to the local authorities.

In the message, the Pope "commends the many migrants who lost their lives to the loving mercy of Almighty God." He also prays for "divine strength, comfort, and hope" for the survivors, emergency personnel, and all those affected by this tragedy.
The area is termed the "Route of Death"— as the most dangerous migration path in the world, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Gulf of Aden has become a critical crossing point for smugglers’ boats heading toward Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies.
This route sees a growing number of migrants, especially from Somalia and Ethiopia, like those involved in the most recent tragedy. The shipwreck, which occurred on 3 August and was reportedly caused by rough weather off the coast of Abyan Governorate.The migrants involved in the latest tragedy were traveling from Ethiopia toward Yemen’s southern coast. According to the IOM, 157 people were believed to be aboard the boat. So far, there are 90 people confirmed dead, 32 survivors, and dozens still missing.
Thousands of people attempt the “Eastern Route” each year—which often involves human trafficking. The IOM reports that tens of thousands of migrants in Yemen fall victim to abuse and exploitation during the journey.

Last year alone, the IOM recorded at least 558 deaths along the Red Sea route between Djibouti and Yemen.

Source: Vatican News