VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis said Wednesday that fear of migration is making us crazy as he began a trip to Central America amid a standoff over President Donald Trump s promised wall at the U.S.-Mexico border and a new caravan of migrants heading north.

Francis was asked by reporters about the proposed border wall Wednesday on the way to Panama, where he is looking to leave the sex abuse scandals buffeting his papacy behind. Francis responded: It is the fear that makes us crazy.

The Roman Catholic Churchs first Latin American pope and the son of Italian immigrants to Argentina, Francis has made the plight of migrants and refugees a cornerstone of his papacy. He is also expected to offer words of encouragement to young people gathered in Panama for World Youth Day, the churchs once-every-three-year pep rally that aims to invigorate the next generation of Catholics in their faith.

Panama Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa said Francis message is likely to resonate with young Central Americans who see their only future free of violence and poverty in migrating to the U.S. young people who often fall into the hands of drug traffickers and so many other realities that our young people face.

The pope is expected to urge young people to create their own opportunities, while calling on governments do their share as well.