Overview

• Meeting refugees at the Vatican, Leo XIV declared that no one can force them into exile and affirmed their right to live on their land.
• He urged Mauritian authorities to commit to facilitating a return and pledged support from the local Catholic Church.
• The May agreement shifts sovereignty to Mauritius, leases Diego Garcia for at least 99 years at an average £101 million annually, creates a trust fund, and allows—but does not require—resettlement on islands other than Diego Garcia.
• International lawyer Philippe Sands said the pope’s remarks signal to Britain, the United States and Mauritius that returns should proceed, noting the private audience was initiated by Leo.
• Some Chagossians fear the deal leaves them without a guaranteed path home, even as leader Louis Olivier Bancoult reports first meetings with U.S. and U.K. officials and says planning for infrastructure must begin.