Pope Leo XIV sent a message of thanks Friday to people on the Italian Mediterranean island of Lampedusa for the welcome they extend to the migrants regularly arriving there.

"There is no justice without compassion, no legitimacy without listening to the pain of others," said the pope in a video message sent to an event on the island.

Lampedusa, just 90 miles (145 kilometres) off the coast of Tunisia, is often the first point of arrival for migrants from Africa trying to reach Europe in fragile or overcrowded boats.

The pope thanked all those on the island -- from associations to volunteers, mayors and their administrations -- for their work helping migrants.

"'Thank you' to... all those who, often invisibly, have shown and continue to show a smile and the care of a human face to those

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