Rome grants refugee status to migrants brought from Lesbos by Pope Francis

May 23, 2016

The twelve Syrian migrants brought to Rome by Pope Francis after his dramatic April visit to the island of Lesbos have now received official refugee status.

The migrants-- three families consisting of six adults and six young children, all of them Muslims-- will now be able to live and work legally in Italy for five years. They are being sponsored in Rome by the Sant'Egidio community, which has paid for their living expenses and the education of the children. 

 

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Further information:

• I profughi siriani di Papa Francesco diventano rifugiati (Il Giornale)
• Sant'Egidio community welcomes Syrian refugees brought to Rome by Pope (CWN, 4/19)