The Mediterranean Sea has become a dangerous route for migrants and refugees, with more people drowning during crossings despite a drop in the number of attempts to cross. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 60,000 people reached Europe by sea since the start of 2026, which is a 39% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. However, the number of deaths and missing persons has risen, with at least 2,292 people losing their lives or going missing this year, compared to 1,999 in 2025. Efforts to manage the crisis have involved shifting responsibility for rescue operations to countries like Libya and Tunisia, which has increased the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in identifying and rescuing people in distress. However, these NGOs face significant challenges that hinder their ability to respond quickly. Italy, for example, has been outsourcing its maritime rescue duties to Libya since 2017, resulting in the return of 192,000 people to Libya between 2016 and 2025. This practice, known as forced returns, is controversial and violates the international principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending people back to a country where they may face persecution or harm. Tunisia has also taken steps by establishing a maritime search and rescue (SAR) zone in 2024. However, sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia often face violence, as reported by local academics, human rights activists, and European NGOs. According to the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country has facilitated 5,077 voluntary returns of irregular migrants since the beginning of 2026. The reduced involvement of coastal nations has shifted the source of distress alerts. From 2017 to 2025, the percentage of alerts from government authorities dropped from 70% to 4%, while civil society groups have taken on a more prominent role in detecting and responding to maritime emergencies. NGOs are now critical in identifying and rescuing people in danger, but they face increasing obstacles, including the inability to secure public funding and smear campaigns accusing them of aiding smugglers. Additionally, Italian authorities often assign disembarkation ports far from where rescues occur, increasing travel time and costs for rescue vessels. The Pope has been vocal about the need for change in maritime rescue efforts. During his visit to France, he plans to meet with EU representatives, addressing the organization's shortcomings in Mediterranean rescue operations. His influence could help end the Italian government’s strategy of harassing rescue NGOs by designating distant disembarkation points, which complicates timely and effective rescue operations.