Pope Hails UK–Mauritius Chagos Islands Deal as Major Victory

Pope Leo XIV said he was delighted that the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it a significant victory in their long fight for justice.

Transfer of Sovereignty

Under the May treaty, Mauritius will assume sovereignty over the archipelago, while the UK and US retain operation of the Diego Garcia military base for an initial 99 years. The agreement also establishes a 24-mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia where new construction requires UK approval.

Hope for Return

The pope expressed hope that Mauritian authorities would facilitate the return of Chagossian refugees to their ancestral homes. "All people must be respected in their identity and rights, in particular the right to live on their land; no one can be forced into exile," he said.

Historical Context

The UK acquired the islands in 1968 for £3 million. Mauritius has long argued the cession was forced to secure its independence. The indigenous population was then relocated to Mauritius, the Seychelles, or the UK.

Political Reactions

Opposition leaders and some UK-based Chagossians criticized the deal, warning it could leave the UK exposed to strategic rivals. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the treaty as essential to national security, saying it prevents other nations from establishing military footholds on the archipelago.

Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover hailed the settlement as the conclusion of a 60-year struggle. A last-minute legal challenge by two Diego Garcia natives was dismissed by the High Court in May.

"The UK’s decision to restore sovereignty marks a pivotal step toward righting decades-old wrongs and offers hope for the displaced Chagossian community."

This topic was reported by BBC.

Explore useful articles in World News as of 23-08-2025. The article titled " Pope Hails UK–Mauritius Chagos Islands Deal as Major Victory " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the World News field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " Pope Hails UK–Mauritius Chagos Islands Deal as Major Victory " article expands your knowledge in World News, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.