Pope Leo XIV releases message for 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Pope Leo XIV released a message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026. Using the theme "Even one of these children," the Pope calls for a shared humanitarian and spiritual responsibility to protect young migrants and refugees who face violence, exploitation, and trauma.

The Pope urged people to see displaced minors as individuals with unique stories rather than mere statistics. He called on the community to recognize the dignity of every child before their status as a migrant and to protect their fundamental rights to life, education, and a standard of living that supports their physical, mental, spiritual, and social growth.

Millions of children and adolescents are forced to leave their homes annually due to war, poverty, violence, and environmental disasters. The Pope noted that these young people are often made invisible despite their growing numbers. He highlighted the specific vulnerabilities of minors, including those who have lost family members, those separated from parents, and those traveling under traumatic conditions or facing deportation.