Ibrahima Lo's journey has reached a new destination. The 23-year-old author, who arrived in Italy at age 16 from Senegal to study after crossing the desert and experiencing detention in Libya, has become a parliamentary assistant for MEP Mimmo Lucano after finishing his second book.

Lucano, the former mayor of Riace known worldwide for his progressive approach to migration, has been elected to the European Parliament with the Green-Left Alliance (AVS).

On July 2, the young author met Pope Francis at his Santa Marta residence in Vatican City, an experience he described to ANSA as "very moving."

Political activism

"I am a human rights activist who is against weapons and wars," he said. "I am happy to work with someone who shares my objectives and fights to save human lives, in the interest of citizens," he emphasized, recalling his meeting with Lucano when he was chosen as an assistant.

Lo said Lucano shared his objectives. "He told me he is the one working for me because he was elected to serve the community," Lo remembered.

"It is necessary to solve Africa's problems, instead of exploiting it and then blaming the Africans who are forced to emigrate. I will also be working for this," he declared.

Speaking about the criticism received by politicians and journalists who commented negatively on the photo of Lucano, activist Ilaria Salis, who has also been elected MEP for AVS, and Carola Rackete, the former skipper of the migrant-rescue ship Sea-Watch 3 who has been elected to the European Parliament with the Die Linke party, Lo noted: "Those words made me smile because seeing a black person in the European Parliament makes a lot of people angry. They want to see us on the sidelines. In fact, as soon as an African commits a crime, everybody talks about it."

"This isn't racism but fascism, a mentality that brings us back, while opening up to other cultures is truly enriching. Integrating means studying, working and serving the country that welcomed us," he added.

"I want to change things and I didn't expect to be here, where I can touch the right chords for a better world," stressed the newly appointed parliamentary assistant.

Also read: The story of Ibrahima Lo, the migrant author whose book inspired the film 'Io Capitano'

The meeting with Pope Francis

Meeting Pope Francis on July 2 at his Santa Marta residence was very moving, said Lo.

The invite came from Father Mattia Ferrari, who is very close to the pontiff and spoke to the young man about the pope's desire to meet him and read his first book 'Pane e acqua. Dal Senegal all'Italia passando per la Libia' (Bread and water. From Senegal to Italy through Libya).

The meeting was also attended by Luca Casarini, an activist with the association Mediterranea Saving Humans, and other participants, including a man who lost his wife and daughter in Tunisia's desert.

"There were about six of us and I sat close to the Pope who looked at me, so I gave him the book and told him everything I had to deal with from the desert to Libya," recalled the youth.

"The Pope closed his eyes and was moved, he caressed the scar I have on my arm after being hit by Libyan guards, and told me that there are scars that never heal -- those we have in our hearts. Then he asked me what I was doing because he wanted to help me, but I told him that I didn't need anything, I asked him to pray for those who die under bombs or at sea, as well as for those who help migrants and then are indicted, as if saving human lives were a crime."

The meeting lasted an hour and a half and the Pontiff declared that the Mediterranean has become a "great cemetery".

Also read: Between hopelessness and hope: Senegalese migrant tells all in first-hand account

"I felt he was really close and very moved, he showed sincere interest for those of us who were present and for the weak."

"The Pope thanked Father Mattia and Luca Casarini for putting us in contact and then he signed another copy of the book I had brought and have kept. I will bring it to all the schools and universities that I will continue to visit to talk about my experience. Now, from my new position, I can fight with more strength for others, for those who are voiceless", he said.

Lo confirmed he will be presenting in Venice his second book 'Nuovo viaggio - La mia voce dalle rive dell'Africa alle strade d'Europa' (New journey - My voice from the shores of Africa to the streets of Europe) published last month, although the date still needs to be defined.

"Everything I will have in life I will divide with Venice and Mbacké (Ibrahima Lo's hometown in Senegal) because they are two cities that saved my life," he concluded.

Author: Valentina Maresca

Also read: 'No country must be left alone on migration', Pope Francis