Pope Francis cautioned nations against returning refugees to dangerous countries like Libya on Sunday, citing the hazards and risks returnees often face upon reentering insecure states.
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"We have to put an end to the return of migrants to countries that are not secure," the religious leader proclaimed, referring to the "thousands of migrants, refugees and others who need protection in Libya" during his blessing on Sunday.
The pope detailed the abuse suffered by migrants in Libya, and compared it to conditions at concentration camps.
"How much those who are sent back suffer! There are real lagers there," he said, using a German word people in Italy often employ when talking about the camps.
"I never forget you. I hear your cries."
Libya is a common departure point for refugees attempting to travel from Africa to Europe on an often perilous journey.
The European Union (EU) held discussions on Friday to form a strategy to manage the recent large influx of arrivals traveling to the bloc through Belarus.
Migrant flows are a crucial issue for the EU, and leaders at the summit are often divided on their approach to refugees.
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Some officials are calling for the construction of border fences, while others argue the nations of the bloc should evenly distribute the responsibility of accepting migrants.
i24NEWS contributed to this report.
