Pope Leo XIV travelled to southern Italy’s “Land of Fires” region to meet families affected by toxic waste and rising cancer cases.
Pope Leo XIV visited the town of Acerra in southern Italy on Saturday, offering support to communities affected by decades of illegal toxic waste dumping and burning.
Around 15,000 people gathered in Piazza Calipari to welcome the Pope during his visit to the Terra dei Fuochi, also known as the “Land of Fires,” a region in Campania heavily damaged by pollution and environmental crimes.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV met families who lost loved ones to illnesses linked to contamination and poor environmental conditions. He urged leaders and citizens to adopt economic and social models built on solidarity, environmental protection, and care for vulnerable communities.
The Pope also warned against social marginalisation, saying neglected communities often become trapped in cycles of insecurity and crime. He called for justice, truth, and long-term support for affected residents.
Local leaders said the region continues to suffer from toxic waste fires and illegal dumping, despite years of investigations and cleanup efforts.
Pope Leo XIV ended his visit by expressing hope that the region’s “fires” could become a symbol of renewal rather than destruction.