Forced displacement of any individuals is unacceptable, according to Pope's statements.

Pope Leo XIV Hails Signing of Chagos Islands Agreement

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his satisfaction with the recent agreement that could see the return of the Chagos Islanders to their homeland, describing it as a "significant step" towards rectifying a longstanding injustice.

In a statement, the Pope praised the agreement as an "encouraging sign" and having "symbolic force on the international scene." He went on to express his hope that the Lord will heal the wounds and grant forgiveness to the Chagos Islanders, who were forcibly removed from their homes in the 1960s to make way for a US military base.

The Pope's statement comes just over a year after he spoke to the Chagos Refugees Group association in the Vatican, expressing his solidarity with the Chagossian people. He also paid tribute to the determination of the Chagossian women in peacefully asserting their rights.

The Chagos Islands archipelago has been a British overseas territory since 1965, but the issue of its sovereignty has been a contentious one. In 2019, the UN General Assembly approved a request for the UK to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius by an overwhelming majority. This was followed by a ruling by the UN Maritime Tribunal in 2021, also in favour of restitution to Mauritius.

Negotiations for the return of the Chagos Islands began in 2022, and the signing of a treaty this year puts an end to the question. The treaty, signed in May 2025, cedes the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while maintaining a US military base on Diego Garcia Island.

The Pope thanked all parties involved in reaching the agreement for their understanding of the suffering of the Chagos Islanders. He also expressed hope that the return of the Chagos Islands will take place in the best possible conditions, with the local Church's commitment and contribution.

Pope Leo XIV recalled efforts made by his predecessor, Pope Francis, to advance negotiations in June 2023. The Pope praised dialogue and respect for international law for being able to repair a grave injustice. However, he also noted that the issue reached many British courts, with a non-binding ruling by the International Court of Justice deeming the UK's retention of sovereignty over the archipelago "illegal" in 2019.

The Pope invited the Chagos Islanders to look resolutely towards the future, expressing his hope that this return will mark a new beginning for the Chagossian people. He also expressed his gratitude for their perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.