Pope Leo XIV has hailed Britain’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as a “significant victory,” calling it a step toward repairing what he described as a decades-long injustice.
Speaking to a delegation of 15 exiled Chagossians at the Vatican, the pope said he was “delighted” by the May treaty, which ends more than half a century of bitter dispute over the Indian Ocean archipelago.
“This renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign and a powerful symbol on the international stage,” Pope Leo said in French. He added that no people should be “forced into exile,” stressing that identity and rights must be protected.
The Chagos Deal Explained
Under the agreement, Mauritius will assume sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while the UK and United States will continue operating a military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years. In exchange, Britain will pay Mauritius an annual sum averaging £101 million.
The deal establishes a 24-mile exclusion zone around Diego Garcia and grants the UK veto powers over foreign military or civilian access to the islands. It will take effect once ratified by both the British and Mauritian parliaments.
A Long Disputed History
Britain purchased the islands from Mauritius for £3 million in 1968, just before granting the country independence. The territory was later cleared to build the UK-U.S. base on Diego Garcia, forcing thousands of Chagossians into exile in Mauritius, Seychelles, and later the UK. Many settled in Crawley, West Sussex.
For decades, Mauritius maintained that the detachment of Chagos was illegal. The International Court of Justice and the United Nations have also recognized the islands as Mauritian territory.
Political Fallout in London
The agreement has stirred controversy in Britain. Conservative leaders labeled the deal “an act of national self-harm,” warning it leaves the UK more vulnerable to Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the treaty, saying it was crucial for Britain’s security.
“If we did not agree this deal,” he said, “we would not be able to prevent China or any other nation setting up their own bases near ours.”
Reactions in Mauritius
Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover welcomed the accord, calling it the end of a 60-year struggle. “Our country is elated that this long fight is finally over,” he told the BBC.
Still, not all Chagossians were satisfied. Two women born on Diego Garcia mounted a last-minute legal challenge to secure the right of return, but the High Court dismissed the case.
A Symbolic Turning Point
For many Chagossians, the treaty is less about geopolitics than justice. The pope urged Mauritian authorities to ensure exiles can go home, framing the agreement as more than a legal settlement.
“All people,” Pope Leo said, “must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, in particular the right to live on their land.”
