News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Migrants-on-boat-main_article_image.jpg
Rex
World News

Cross marking the lives of refugees unveiled at British Museum

by Hannah Tooley

On Friday the piece was put on display in Neil MacGregor's final act as director and has been made from the wreckage of a boat that sank off the island of Lampedusa in the Mediterranean sea.

It goes on display as Mr MacGregor leaves his post.

He told The Times that the Lampedusa Cross was created by a carpenter on the Italian island to commemorate the suffering of migrants fleeing conflict in African countries for Europe and to symbolise a key moment in human history.

Francesco Tuccio created the piece to express his frustration at not being able to help those on the sinking boat on October 3rd 2013, so he took wood from the vessel to make them gifts.

He discovered that of a number of the 151 people that survived were Christians from Eritrea, and decided to create a cross for each person.

Mr Tuccio also created one for Pope Francis, who carried it at a memorial service for drowned migrants.

Mr MacGregor said: "This simple, yet moving object is a poignant gift to the collection."

"Mr Tuccio's generosity will allow all visitors to the museum to reflect this significant moment in the history of Europe, a great migration which may change the way we understand our continent.

"In my time at the museum we have acquired many wonderful objects, from the grand to the humble, but all have sought to shine a light on the needs and hopes of all that human beings share."

"All have enabled the museum to fulfill the purpose for which it was set up: to be a museum of the world and for the world, now and well into the future."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate