Pope Attacks 'Haggard' Europe Over Immigration

Pope Francis has launched a blistering attack on a "haggard" Europe, saying its policies on immigration are driven by "self-interest" rather than concern for human life.

In back-to-back speeches to the European Parliament and Council of Europe in the French city Strasbourg, the pontiff called on leaders to assist the thousands who risk their lives every year trying to cross into Europe.

"We cannot allow the Mediterranean to become a vast cemetery," the 77-year-old said.

"The boats landing daily on the shores of Europe are filled with men and women who need acceptance and assistance."

More than 3,200 refugees are estimated to have died trying to reach Europe this year alone.

The Pope went on to paint a bleak picture of the situation for those who do arrive safely.

He warned that the absence of a coherent EU migration policy "contributes to slave labour and continuing social tensions" across Europe.

Prompting a series of standing ovations from the audience, he called for a "united response" focused on the creation of jobs to help migrants build a life on the continent.

He also advised that leaders adopt "fair, courageous and realistic policies" towards the migrants' countries of origin.

They should be aimed at helping them resolve the conflicts that fuel migration "rather than adopting policies motivated by self-interest, which increase and feed such conflicts," the pontiff said.

"Europe seems to give the impression of being somewhat elderly and haggard, feeling less and less a protagonist in a world which frequently regards it with aloofness.

"We encounter a general impression of weariness and ageing, of a Europe which is now a 'grandmother', no longer fertile and vibrant," he added.

The Pope's comments came amid signs of growing euroscepticism and anti-immigrant feeling across Europe.

In Britain, UKIP saw its second MP elected to Parliament last week.

A number of anti-immigration parties also made gains in the European Parliament elections back in May.

"I think the applause you gave indicates that Pope Francis has reached many, if not all of us," European Parliament President Martin Schulz told the assembly.

Turning to the Pope, he added: "You are a person who gives us guidance at a time when we have lost our compass."

The Pope was in Strasbourg for just four hours, making it the shortest trip abroad by any Pope.