Pope Francis today called on authorities to stop people traffickers operating in the Mediterranean, expressing regret over the tragedy of last week’s sinking of a boat carrying migrants off the coast of Calabria that resulted in the deaths of dozens of people.

“I renew my appeal to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. I wish human traffickers would be stopped“, said the pope in the speech he addresses every Sunday to the crowd of believers in St. Peter’s Square.

Local authorities said they have so far recovered 70 bodies since the incident. The migrants had departed from Turkey and were from countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Somalia and Syria.

“May voyages of hope never again become voyages of death, may the clear waters of the Mediterranean never again be stained with blood from such tragic accidentssaid the pope.

About 80 people survived when the boat broke into pieces and sank in rough seas near Steccato di Cutro, a resort on the east coast of the Calabria region. The authorities estimate that it was carrying up to 200 migrants.

Three alleged traffickers were arrested this week and prosecutors began investigating how emergency services responded to the disaster, following accusations that authorities were slow to respond to help migrants.

“I pray for the many victims of the shipwreck, for their families and for those who survivedsaid the pope.