26 July 2025
In his heartfelt message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV calls on the Church and global communities to recognise migrants and refugees not only as people seeking safety and opportunity but also as “missionaries of hope.”
Coinciding with the Jubilee of Migrants, the Pope’s message highlights the urgent challenges faced by displaced people amid war, climate crises, and economic inequality. He urges us to renew our commitment to peace, dignity, and shared responsibility.
“Migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope,” the Pope emphasised, drawing parallels between their journeys and the biblical exodus of the people of Israel. He stressed that their courage and spiritual depth can revitalise communities and foster interreligious dialogue, especially in regions experiencing spiritual decline.
Pope Leo reminds us that the Church is a pilgrim people, journeying towards its heavenly homeland. Catholic migrants, he says, are uniquely positioned to evangelise and bring new life to communities, while host nations are called to welcome them as “brothers and sisters.”
Concluding his message, Pope Leo entrusted all migrants and refugees and those who support them to the protection of the Virgin Mary, praying that hope may flourish in their hearts and guide them toward a world more reflective of God’s kingdom."