Pope Leo XIV Supports Chagos Refugees’ Right to Return Amid UK-Mauritius Treaty

Pope Leo XIV Supports Chagos Refugees’ Right to Return Amid UK-Mauritius Treaty
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Pope Leo XIV met with refugees from the Chagos archipelago on August 23, 2025, strongly affirming their right to return to their homeland, Arab News reported. The displaced Chagossians were evicted by Britain in the 1960s and 1970s to allow the US to build a military base on Diego Garcia.

The Pope welcomed the recent UK-Mauritius treaty that transfers sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while maintaining the military base lease. He called the agreement a “significant victory” and praised the peaceful efforts of Chagossian women advocating for their rights.

Under the treaty, the UK will pay Mauritius around £101 million annually to lease the base for at least 99 years. While Mauritius is free to resettle the islands (except Diego Garcia), the treaty does not guarantee the return of all displaced islanders, who remain concerned about their future.

The UN and International Court of Justice have urged Britain to return the Chagos to Mauritius, a stance previously supported by Pope Francis during visits in 2019 and 2023.

Pope Leo pledged the Catholic Church’s support to ensure the refugees’ return and called for respect for the rights of even the smallest and weakest peoples.