The Mediterranean Sea is a large cemetery, says Pope Francis

Pope Francis has called for compassion towards refugees, describing the Mediterranean Sea as a "large cemetery" where countless illegal migrants have perished.

As reported by the TASS agency, the pontiff made this comparison in a message addressed to the people of Cyprus and Greece. He specifically addressed these nations as he is scheduled to visit them from December 2 to 6.

Refugees fleeing from war and poverty arrive on the mainland's shores and in other locations, where they encounter hostility and even exploitation instead of hospitality, stated Pope Francis. "They are our brothers and sisters. How many have died in the sea? Today our sea, the Mediterranean Sea, is a large cemetery," the pontiff added.