Syrian Migrant Says Pope Saved Her Children’s Future by Bringing Them to Italy

A Syrian mother who fled her country’s civil war has credited Pope Francis with changing the course of her family’s life by personally bringing them to Italy during the height of Europe’s 2016 migration crisis.

Wafaa Eid, who was among 12 vulnerable refugees flown from Greece to Rome on the Pope’s plane, said the moment felt like being rescued by an angel. “He came straight to us, placed his hand on my children’s heads and said, ‘Welcome,’” she recalled.

Eid, her husband, and their two children had fled war-torn Syria and feared deportation to Turkey under an EU deal. But Pope Francis intervened during a visit to the Greek island of Lesbos, telling migrants, “You are not alone… do not lose hope,” before taking them with him to Italy — a move facilitated by the Catholic Sant’Egidio community.

Now settled in Rome, Wafaa works as a cleaner, her husband is employed, and their children are in school. “My children have a future,” she said.

The Vatican described the Pope’s action as a humanitarian gesture rather than a political one, though it was widely seen as a critique of Europe’s tightening borders. His advocacy for compassion towards migrants has drawn both praise and opposition, especially from political leaders calling for stricter immigration controls.

The Pope has repeatedly drawn attention to migrant issues, including visits to Lampedusa and Rome’s Astalli Centre, where he’s urged the world not to be indifferent to the plight of displaced people.

For others like Congolese migrant Cedric Musau Kasongo, meeting the Pope was a moment of dignity. “I felt really seen,” he said, describing the Pope’s smile and handshake as a symbol of welcome and hope.

Pope Francis continues to urge nations to address the root causes of migration and to treat refugees with humanity.