Pope Francis is calling for a multinational response to illegal migration because the problem often "exceeds the capacities and resources" of individual countries.

Francis issued a message to a Vatican-Mexican migration conference Thursday. It coincided with growing tensions in Europe over Italy's refusal to let a migrant rescue ship dock, forcing other European countries to take them in.

Francis didn't refer to the dispute in his message, but he echoed Italy's longstanding complaint that it has largely been left alone to cope with the hundreds of thousands of migrants who have landed on its shores in recent years.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said he was certain Italy would do its part but said there must be a "common response to this problem so that Italy isn't left alone."

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Bad weather has forced a migrant rescue ship in the Mediterranean to take a detour on its journey to Spain.

SOS Mediterranee, the aid group that operates the Aquarius, said Thursday the Italian coast guard boat leading the convoy decided to skirt Sardinia's east coast after high waves caused exhausted migrants aboard to be seasick.

Spain offered safe harbor after Italy, which wants fellow European Union countries to do more, refused to do so. Malta also refused.

The ship rescued 229 migrants Saturday and took on 400 others saved by Italy's coast guard, navy and others.

SOS Mediterranee said men who were still on the deck of the Aquarius exposed to the elements were dizzy and vomiting and were taken inside the ship to be treated for seasickness.