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POPE Francis has taken 12 Syr- ian migrants back with him to the Vatican after visiting a camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. The three families, including six chil- dren, are all Muslim and had their homes bombed during the Syrian war. In a statement, the Vatican said the Pope wanted to make a ges- ture in welcoming refugees. The families were already in camps in Lesbos before the agreement be- tween the European Union and Turkey. Francis earlier told migrants liv- ing in the Moria camp - some of whom are facing being sent back – "I am here to tell you, you are not alone." "Before they are numbers, these people are first and foremost hu- man beings," Francis reminded the assembled crowd, offering yet more criticism of Europe's plans to deport thousands back across the Aegean. They had, he insisted, been the victims of heinous crimes but, like the Good Samaritan, there were those who had rushed to re- lieve their needs. "The Greek peo- ple have generously responded to your needs despite their own dif- ficulties. Yes, so much more needs to be done, but let us thank God that in our suffering he never leaves us alone." About 3,000 people are being held in the camp on Lesbos, some of whom lined the streets with banners pleading for help as the Pope arrived. Thousands of migrants are now stuck on Lesbos after last month's EU-Turkey deal to try to ease the f low. All of those leaving with the Pope were already living on Les- bos before the deal was imple- mented, the Vatican said. They were reportedly select- ed from lots drawn, and will be looked after initially by the Sant'Egidio community, known for their charity work. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who also met the pontiff, said the visit "sends a message that surpasses Greece's and Eu- rope's borders". The Vatican stressed the Pope's visit was purely humanitarian and religious in nature and should not be seen as a criticism of the de- portations. The Pope's initiative was brought to fruition through nego- tiations carried out by the Secre- tariat of State with the competent Greek and Italian authorities. All the members of the three families are Muslims. Two fami- lies come from Damascus, and one from Deir Azzor (in the area occupied by Daesh). "The Vatican will take respon- sibility for bringing in and main- taining the three families. The initial hospitality will be taken care of by the Community of Sant'Egidio," it said. In September, the Pope had al- ready made space in the Vatican apartments for two refugee fami- lies, urging Catholics across Eu- rope to play their part to resolve the crisis. Whilst the Pope made the sym- bolic gesture, EU nations are at a standstill over a pledge to relocate some 120,000 migrants. So far just 300 have been relocated. maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 APRIL 2016 News Pope returns to the Vatican with 12 Syrian migrants Pope Francis shared his plane back to the Vatican with 12 refugees as he called for the EU to learn lesson of humanity Pope Francis greets refugee children in the Moria refugee camp in Lesbos