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| Migrants have protested at overcrowding and a lack of food at the Lesbos camp |
The Pope is being met by Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew. They will visit a camp for more than 3,000 individuals who are anticipating either handling of refuge cases or expulsion to Turkey.
Lesbos has been a key passage point into Europe for vagrants in the previous year.
Thousands are presently stuck on the island after a month ago's arrangement in the middle of Europe and Turkey to attempt to facilitate the stream.
Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople - the profound leader of the world's Orthodox Christians - will visit the Moria confinement focus.
The Vatican demands that the Pope's visit is absolutely helpful and religious in nature and ought not be seen as a feedback of the expulsions.
Short voyage once again from Lesbos to Turkey
Confounded transients anticipate destiny
Emergency clarified in seven outlines
Be that as it may, the Vatican official accountable for transients, Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio, has said the EU-Turkey arrangement regards vagrants as stock and neglects to perceive their respect as individuals.
Pope Francis went to the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2013 to indicate comparable backing for vagrants after handfuls kicked the bucket attempting to achieve it.
"Panicked"
The Pope was met at Lesbos Mytilene air terminal by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop of Athens Ieronimos II.
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| Pope Francis was met by PM Alexis Tsipras (C) and Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew |
At the camp, the Pope will meet unaccompanied migrant children, and will later observe a minute's silence for those who have died making dangerous sea crossings in search of a better life.
On the eve of the visit, one Syrian attempted to kill himself at the camp after being told he would be deported back to Turkey but was prevented by police.
Migrants later demonstrated, demanding better treatment and to stay in Europe.
This is a short, but highly symbolic visit designed to draw attention to what the Vatican has described as a difficult situation.
The Pope has repeatedly called for compassion to be shown to people fleeing terror, turmoil and hardship. He will be hoping his trip to Lesbos will stir Europe's conscience.
It comes as the EU's handling of the migrant crisis faces intense criticism from aid agencies and human rights groups. The Pope will meet refugees at a camp where more than 3,000 people are now effectively incarcerated in conditions aid workers say are deplorable.
He will then hold a ceremony to remember those who have died trying to reach Europe's shores. The Pope is coming with a strong moral message - but no solutions.
The Greek authorities have not yet commented on the suicide attempt, which was confirmed by non-governmental organisations on the island.
The man was among four Syrians who have now appealed against their deportation orders.
However, some Syrians on Lesbos say they are terrified by the thought of returning to Turkey because of reports that hundreds of Syrians have been forcibly returned from Turkey to Syria.
Turkey has denied sending back any refugees against their will.
Refugees and migrants also complain of overcrowded conditions and a lack of food.
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| Migrants on Lesbos are incarcerated in conditions aid workers say are deplorable. |
Key points from EU-Turkey agreement
- Returns: All "irregular migrants" crossing from Turkey into Greece from 20 March will be sent back. Each arrival will be individually assessed by the Greek authorities
- One-for-one: For each Syrian returned to Turkey, a Syrian migrant will be resettled in the EU. Priority will be given to those who have not tried to illegally enter the EU and the number is capped at 72,000
- Visa restrictions: Turkish nationals should have access to the Schengen passport-free zone by June. This will not apply to non-Schengen countries like Britain
- Financial aid: The EU is to speed up the allocation of €3bn ($3.3 bn; £2.3 bn) in aid to Turkey to help migrants
- Turkey EU membership: Both sides agreed to "re-energise" Turkey's bid to join the European bloc, with talks due by July
The Turkey-EU statement in full
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