VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis demanded Sunday that ‘‘every possible measure’’ be taken to protect young migrants, as search efforts continued off Libya’s coast after the latest deadly Mediterranean shipwreck.

Italy’s coast guard said only four people survived the sinking of a migrant ship carrying around 100 people that went down 30 miles off Libya Saturday. Only eight bodies have been recovered.

In his noon blessing, Francis recalled that the theme of the church’s World Day of Migrants celebrated Sunday concerned the particular vulnerability of young migrants — ‘‘our young brothers’’ who often flee home alone and face ‘‘so many dangers.’’

‘‘We must adopt every possible measure to guarantee young migrants protection and defense, as well as integration,’’ he said.

The UN High Commission for Refugees has reported a sharp increase in the number of unaccompanied minors reaching Italy: 25,846 last year, more than double the previous year. Aid groups say if these young people survive the crossing, they are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse by land-based traffickers.

Associated Press