News

09 July 2026

Pope Leo XIV has used a visit to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa to urge Christians and people of goodwill to show greater compassion towards migrants and refugees, warning against indifference to human suffering.

The visit carried particular significance as Lampedusa, located between Italy and North Africa, has become one of Europe's most prominent arrival points for migrants seeking safety and a better future. The island was also the destination of Pope Francis's first pastoral journey in 2013, a milestone that Pope Leo recalled during Mass celebrated before local residents.

The Pope's message touches on issues familiar within Australian public debate. While Australia's migration challenges differ from those facing Europe, questions surrounding asylum seekers, border policies and humanitarian responsibility have long been topics of discussion in public life.

Reflecting on the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan, Pope Leo drew a direct connection between the biblical story and the experiences of migrants risking dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean.

"Here you have seen not just one, but thousands of human beings fallen into the hands of robbers who have taken everything from them, beat them brutally, and walked away, leaving them half-dead," the Pope said.

The Pope added: "Those who have lost their lives in this sea are victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made."

Pope Leo highlighted a range of factors contributing to forced migration, including poverty, corruption, armed conflict, organised crime, people-smuggling networks and economic systems that leave many communities excluded from opportunity.

Opening his homily, Pope Leo thanked the people of Lampedusa for their hospitality and acknowledged their ongoing efforts to assist those arriving on the island's shores.

"God always loves us first," he said. "The beauty of the sea, this island and your faces is a reflection of his gratuitous initiative. I am grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to visit you, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis."

Concluding his visit, Pope Leo reflected on an image of Our Lady of Safe Harbour, patroness of Lampedusa, drawing on Saint Augustine's description of life as a voyage across a stormy sea in search of a secure harbour.

"In God we all have a safe haven," he said. "Every Christian community is called to be a reflection of it on earth."

Ending his remarks with the traditional local greeting "O'scià!", Pope Leo thanked island residents for their generosity and witness, praising their continued commitment to welcoming those in need.

09 June 2026

As the global community prepares to mark World Refugee Day, Australia is reflecting on a powerful milestone: one million permanent humanitarian visas granted since 1947, each representing a unique journey of resilience, survival and hope.

The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) has joined international efforts to recognise the courage of people forced to flee their homes, while highlighting Australia’s long-standing role in offering refuge and rebuilding lives.

Drawing on both history and faith, ACMRO’s World Refugee Day reflection connects today refugee and people seeking asylum experiences with stories deeply rooted in scripture. Figures such as Abram and Sarai, who fled famine and later became the forebears of many nations, and Hagar, cast into the wilderness yet sustained by divine care, echo the struggles faced by displaced people today.

Similarly, the story of Moses, born into oppression and called to lead his people to freedom. And the flight of Joseph and Mary to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus, are presented as timeless examples of forced migration in search of safety and dignity. These are not just ancient stories. They remind us that the search for refuge, safety and hope is part of the human story, and our faith calls us to honour every person and every journey.

A National Milestone
This year’s observance holds particular significance in Australia. Since the aftermath of World War II, when millions were displaced across Europe, Australia answered the global call for resettlement. Beginning in 1947, the nation has since granted one million humanitarian visas, providing new beginnings for generations of refugees.

Each visa represents more than a number, it marks the rebuilding of lives, families and communities in a country far from home.

Church’s Ongoing Role
The Catholic Church in Australia has played a consistent role in welcoming and supporting migrants and refugees throughout this period. Since the late 1940s, Church agencies, parishes and schools have helped new arrivals settle, integrate and thrive in their adopted communities.

This commitment has been reinforced through decades of official teaching and advocacy. Key documents include:

• Pastoral Letter on Immigration (1950), issued by Australian bishops in the early post-war years
• For Those Who’ve Come Across the Seas, the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement (2015–2016)
• What the Catholic Church Teaches on Asylum and Migration, published by ACMRO
• Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the 1950 Pastoral Letter On Immigration - Under the Southern Cross: A Journey of Faith and Unity

Together, these statements reflect a sustained moral call to uphold the dignity and rights of those seeking refuge.

Resources for Communities
To support the 2026 World Refugee Day observance, ACMRO has published online resources for parishes, schools and Catholic organisations. These include liturgical materials, homily notes, prayers of intercession and bulletin inserts designed to help communities engage meaningfully with the day.

The resources aim to deepen understanding, encourage reflection and inspire action in support of refugees both in Australia and globally.

A Shared Responsibility
As conflicts, climate pressures and social instability continue to displace millions worldwide, World Refugee Day serves as both a moment of remembrance and a call to action. In marking one million humanitarian arrivals, Australia is not only commemorating its past but also renewing its commitment to compassion and hospitality. “Every refugee carries a story,” for the Catholic Church “To recognise them is to recognise our shared humanity, and to respond with justice, dignity and hope.”

With acknowledgement and thanks to CathNews, where this article originally appeared.

10 April 2026

“Even just one of these children” is the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), which will be marked on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

The theme focuses on minors on the move, recalling the duty to welcome each one of them, as the Gospel teaches us. It also refers to Matthew 18:5: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

In a statement, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (DPIHD) emphasises: “With this choice, the Holy Father intends to express the Church’s concern for minors directly involved in migration, recalling the duty to welcome each one of them, as the Gospel teaches us.”

The DPIHD also notes that this is “not the first time that the Popes have spoken authoritatively on this issue, but the current migration situation presents new challenges that seriously threaten the rights and dignity of the youngest among us and require urgent and effective responses. Therefore, this is not a matter of discussing numbers or percentages, because ‘even just one’ has the highest value.”

ACMRO will soon publish an online resources webpage featuring articles, videos, and liturgical materials for parishes and primary and secondary schools to mark the celebration of WDMR 2026.

Download the official English version of the WDMR poster from the DPIHD here.

With acknowledgement and thanks to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and Vatican News, where this article originally appeared.

10 April 2026

ACMRO has published online resources to support the celebration of World Refugee Day 2026 (WRD). WRD is celebrated internationally each year on 20 June to honour people who have been forced to flee their homes.

For Australia, this year is particularly significant. In the aftermath of World War II, as Europe emerged from widespread devastation, Australia answered a global appeal by offering hope and a new beginning to people who had lost their homes.

Beginning with a 1947 agreement to accept 4,000 refugees from Central Europe, Australia has since granted one million permanent humanitarian visas. These individuals, arriving from every corner of the world, have played a vital role in shaping modern Australia. This celebration provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on this landmark achievement and honour the million personal stories that lie behind it.

The WRD 2026 webpage includes liturgical resources for primary and secondary schools, homily notes, prayers of intercession and parish bulletin notices.

Access online resources here.