Pope Benedict XVI demanded urgent action by the European Union and African nations on Sunday to stop the trafficking in migrants, saying the global economic crisis was driving more people to make the perilous voyage.

Benedict recalled the drowning last week of more than 200 Europe-bound migrants whose overcrowded boat capsized in the stormy waters off Libya.

Speaking during his Palm Sunday mass, Benedict said "we cannot resign ourselves to such tragedies, which unfortunately have been repeating themselves for some time".

He said the scope of the problem required urgent strategies co-ordinated by the EU and African countries, and the adoption of adequate humanitarian measures to prevent migrants from putting their lives in the hands of traffickers.

Having returned recently from his first trip to Africa, Benedict said the problem was getting worse because of the global economic crisis and would only end once African nations, with international help, "free themselves from misery and war".

Benedict has been speaking out about the plight of the poor in the global downturn, particularly following his visit last month to Cameroon and Angola.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when he was greeted by followers who waved palms and olive branches.

The service marks the start of the Holy Week, which includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday.