VATICAN - At the Angelus, Pope recalls the problem of anti-personnel mines and the African immigrants who died in an attempt to reach Europe; opening of the path to the next WYD in August 2011, in Madrid

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – At the end of the Mass for Palm Sunday, the Holy Father Benedict XVI prayed the Angelus with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square. At the beginning of his address before the prayer, the Pope recalled the U.N.'s 4th international day for increasing anti-personnel mine awareness. Ten years after the treaty banning the use of these devices came into effect, and after the treaty banning cluster bombs was recently presented for signatures, the Pope asked the “countries who have still not yet done so to sign without delay these important instruments of international humanitarian law, which the Holy See has always supported.”
Benedict XVI then mentioned the tragedy of the African immigrants who died trying to reach Europe, with these words: “Furthermore, I would like to remember, with deep sorrow, our African brothers and sisters, who met their deaths a few days ago in the Mediterranean Sea, while they were trying to find refuge in Europe. We cannot resign ourselves to such tragedies that, unfortunately, repeat themselves time and time again! The phenomenon's dimensions make coordinated strategies between the European Union and African countries more and more urgent, as well as the adoption of adequate humanitarian measures to impede migrants having recourse to lawless traffickers. As I pray for the victims, that the Lord welcome them into his peace, I would like to observe that this problem, subsequently aggravated by the global crisis, will be solved only when African populations can relieve themselves from suffering and wars with the help of the international community.”
Lastly, he especially greeted the participants in the international meeting on the World Youth Days, organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, which has marked the beginning of the journey of preparation toward the next international gathering of youth, which will take place in August 2011 in Madrid. “As is tradition, the young people from Australia will give to the young people from Spain the World Youth Day cross, the "pilgrim cross," which brings the message of Christ to all the youth of the world. This 'passing on of witness' takes on a highly symbolic value, with which we express immense gratitude to God for the gifts received at the great meeting in Sydney and for those that we will receive at the meeting in Madrid.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 6/4/2009)