The message of Pope Leo XIV for child migrants and refugees

The Holy See Press Office Bulletin has published Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2026, which will take place on September 27, 2026, under the theme “Whoever welcomes one such child” (Mt 18:5).

The vulnerability of children in migration flows

Pope Leo XIV’s message focuses this year specifically on the dramatic plight of child migrants and refugees, identified as the most vulnerable individuals within global migration flows.

Millions of children and adolescents are forced to flee wars, poverty, violence, and disasters, facing profound trauma, exploitation, abuse, and the tragic separation from their parents.

Pastoral welcoming and shared responsibility

Faced with this reality, the Pontiff recalls Jesus’ words in the Gospel, reminding us that welcoming even a single child means welcoming the Lord Himself.

This requires overcoming indifference and taking action on multiple levels: personally, by recognizing the intrinsic dignity of every minor beyond statistics, and ecclesiastically, by ensuring that welcoming becomes a permanent pastoral practice aimed at effective integration.

The Pope also emphasizes the need for action in the interreligious sphere, noting that the vulnerability of the young knows no confessional boundaries and unites us in a shared humanitarian and spiritual responsibility.

Appeal to civil institutions and human rights protection

Finally, in his message, he urges civil institutions to place “the principle of the best interests of the child” back at the center, promoting safe legal pathways and family reunifications. Recalling his appeal to the Spanish Parliament on June 8, he emphasizes the urgent need for a shift in perspective: the focus of the debate must move from mere flow management to the full and immediate protection of human rights, adopting «a coordinated, supportive, and effective response capable of ensuring protection, welcome, and real opportunities for integration for those who migrate».

Photo de Bernhard_Staerck (Pixabay)

Source: Newsletter by Maria Lucia Ercole