Pope Francis sharply criticized European migration policies during a visit to the Canary Islands, specifically at the Arguineguín dock. He argued that upholding human dignity is incompatible with allowing the Mediterranean Sea to become a burial ground for migrants. The pontiff’s remarks directly addressed the ongoing crisis of migrants attempting to cross to Europe, often facing perilous journeys and death. He did not detail specific policy changes but implied current approaches are failing to adequately protect human life. This criticism follows years of debate surrounding the EU’s handling of migration flows from Africa and the Middle East. The speech underscores the Vatican’s consistent advocacy for the humane treatment of migrants and refugees. The location of the address, a key arrival point for migrants, amplified the message’s impact.