The Italian military and a fishing boat managed to rescue 47 people. They pulled 20 dead bodies from the water and said at least 150 immigrants were missing and feared dead. The sinking of the boat in rough seas was not the first time migrants trying to reach Europe from North Africa have died crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

"The Holy Father and the entire Church remember in prayer all of the victims, including women and children, of every nationality, who lose their lives in this terrible voyage in order to flee situations of poverty, injustice or violence," said Lombardi. They are seeking "protection, acceptance and more human living conditions."

Italian officials said more than 20,000 migrants have arrived on Italy's shores from North Africa since January.

In his statement April 7, Lombardi said those trying to flee Libya by boat probably include Eritrean Catholics who were working in Libya when fighting broke out there in mid-March.

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