Pope Francis Calls Migrant Crisis Largest Humanitarian Disaster Since WWII

Pope Francis called the current migrant crisis the "worst humanitarian disaster since the Second World War."

VATICAN (Sputnik) – Pope Francis, visiting the Greek island of Lesbos on Saturday, called the current migrant crisis the biggest disaster since the Second World War.

"This is a sad journey. We're going to see a lot of people who are suffering and do not know where to go. We are heading for a meeting with the worst humanitarian disaster since the Second World War," the pontiff told reporters as broadcast by the Vatican Television Center (CTV).

The leader of the Roman Catholic church is currently on the Greek island that has become a focal point for the European refugee crisis. 

Pope’s visit to Lesvos must shed light on abuses under #EUTurkeyDeal https://t.co/kSHWG5MK35 @pontifex #RefugeesGr pic.twitter.com/o45xiG4CiR

— AmnestyInternational (@AmnestyOnline) 14 April 2016

​Lesbos is a gateway to Europe for many of those fleeing war and poverty in North Africa and Middle East. Over 80 aid organizations are helping thousands of refugees on Lesbos, including the UN's refugee agency UNHCR and the International Rescue Committee that are running transit and assistance centers there.