ROME, November 25 (Sputnik) – Europe should address the problem of immigration and not allow the Mediterranean Sea to become a mass grave for migrants to the EU, Pope Francis said during a visit to Strasbourg Tuesday.
"There must be a solution to the migration problem. We cannot allow the Mediterranean Sea become a vast cemetery," Pope Francis said addressing the European Parliament.
The Pope was talking about men and women who have been landing daily by boat to the shores of Europe hoping to receive aid and assistance.
Pope Francis also claimed that Europe would be able to counter immigration issues only when it clearly asserted its own "cultural identity" and adopts proper legislation to protect the rights of the Europeans and at the same time ensured the acceptance of immigrants.
"It is necessary to work out the causes and not only the consequences," he added.
Pope Francis' visit to the French city of Strasbourg on Tuesday is considered to be the shortest in history, lasting only four hours.
