Pope Francis considers it a "serious offense" to deliberately let migrants perish.

Countries should not turn their backs on migrants at risk of dying while seeking refuge abroad, as urged by Pope Francis.

During his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square this week, the pontiff shifted his focus from his catechesis series to the "grave sin" of allowing migrants to die in extreme conditions.

""Unfortunately, migrants are present in those dangerous seas and deserts, which we can all agree should not be their destination," Pope Francis stated."

The pope specifically condemned those who "systematically work, using all means, to push back migrants" instead of creating more humane methods for them to be vetted and organized.

"When done intentionally and with care, it is a serious offense," he stated. "We must remember the Bible's teaching: 'Do not mistreat or exploit a stranger.'"

"Pope Francis stated that while we cannot be on the front line, we are not excluded, and there are many ways to contribute, starting with prayer. He asked the audience, 'Do you pray for migrants and those who come to our lands to save their lives?'"

The Catholic Church holds that secular governments must fulfill two responsibilities when managing immigration and providing refugee status to outsiders within their borders.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church details the church's doctrines on theological and social issues, including these duties.

The primary responsibility is to "welcome the foreigner out of compassion and respect for the human being," as it is the government's obligation to "accommodate the right to immigrate to the greatest extent possible, especially for financially prosperous nations."

The second responsibility of secular governments is to safeguard their borders and uphold the law to promote the general welfare.

The Catholic Church asserts that sovereign nations have the authority to implement their laws and that all individuals must recognize the legitimate implementation of this authority.

""God does not stand apart, but rather joins in the migrants' struggles. He is with them, sharing their pain and hope," Pope Francis stated on Wednesday."