Pope Leo XIV has said he is "delighted" the UK has agreed to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Speaking to a delegation of 15 refugees from Chagos, Pope Leo said that the move represented a "significant victory" in their long battle to "repair a grave injustice".
Under the terms of a treaty signed in May, Mauritius will gain sovereignty of the islands from the UK, but allow the US and UK to continue operating a military base on one of the islands, Diego Garcia, for an initial period of 99 years.
The pope said he hoped Mauritian authorities would ensure the refugees are able to return home. UK opposition leaders - and some Chagossians now resident in the UK - have criticised the deal.
Speaking in French, Pope Leo said: "The renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign and a powerful symbol on the international stage."
