Pope Francis defended the migrants on Sunday, calling their expulsion “scandalous, disgusting and sinful”. This statement put him on a collision course with Italy’s future right-wing government, News.ro reported with reference to Reuters.

The Sovereign Pontiff made the announcement during the canonization of a 19th-century bishop known as the “father of migrants” and a 20th-century man who helped the sick in Argentina.

Pope Francis led the ceremony in front of 50,000 believers who gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

“The exclusion of migrants is scandalous. Indeed, the expulsion of migrants is a criminal act. He makes them die before our eyes. Thus, today the Mediterranean Sea is the world’s biggest cemetery,” the Pope said, referring to the fact that many migrants have died trying to reach Europe.

“Rejecting migrants is disgusting, it’s a sin. Not opening the door to those who need help is a crime,” he added.

Giorgia Maloney is set to become Italy’s prime minister this month, leading a right-wing coalition that has vowed to crack down on immigration. Maloney promised expedited repatriation and tougher asylum rules.

Pope Francis, who did not mention Italy, also said that some migrants who are sent back end up in “concentration camps where they are exploited and treated like slaves”. He noted that this had already happened in Libya in the past.