Six adults and six children – apparently chosen at random – passed in hours from being inmates of a “closed” facility in Greece to new arrivals in continental Europe, where they will receive all the help the Holy See can provide.

The Pope’s dramatic gesture during an intensely emotional visit to Lesbos was intended as a pointed signal to Europe. But aid workers noted that he had left behind another 53,000 migrants in Greece – and 3,000 in the overcrowded camp from which chance had allowed the fortunate 12 to be liberated.

The Pope also rued the fate of those who drowned while making the perilous journey across the Aegean from Turkey. En route to Lesbos, he described how the sea had become the “cemetery” for the “worst humanitarian disaster since the Second World War”.

When he arrived in Lesbos, Pope Francis was driven to Moria camp. Journalists are usually barred from entering this disused army barracks, where careful preparations had been made for the visit.

Once inside Moria, the visitor and his entourage of bearded Greek Orthodox priests – a rare show of unity between rival Churches - received a tumultuous welcome. Tearful mothers and bewildered children gathered to shake or kiss his hand.