Pope Leo XIV is really happy that the UK is giving the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius.
He spoke to 15 Chagos refugees and said this is a big win in their long fight to correct a serious wrong.
In May, a treaty was signed giving Mauritius control over the islands. But, the US and UK can still run a military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
The pope hopes Mauritius lets the refugees go back to their homes, though UK leaders and some UK-based Chagossians don’t agree with the deal.
History and Controversies
Pope Leo, speaking in French, mentioned the chance of the refugees returning home is a hopeful and strong message worldwide.
He stressed that everyone should be respected, especially their right to live on their land without being exiled.
The UK bought the islands for £3m in 1968, but Mauritius says it was pressured into this deal to gain independence.
The islands were cleared for a US-UK military base, causing many Chagossians to move to Mauritius, Seychelles, or the UK, mainly in Crawley.
The deal includes payments to Mauritius of about £101m a year for 99 years. It limits construction around Diego Garcia and restricts access to other islands without UK permission. The treaty needs approval from both the UK and Mauritian parliaments.
Political Reactions and Future Implications
When the deal happened, some Conservatives called it damaging, leaving the UK more vulnerable to China because of its Mauritius ties.
The prime minister argued the deal was crucial for national security, preventing China or others from making bases near theirs. “No responsible government could let that happen,” said Sir Keir Starmer.
Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover expressed joy, noting the end of a 60-year struggle. However, two women from Diego Garcia challenged the deal legally, but the High Court dismissed it.
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