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

Pope Leo XIV issued a message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, calling on the Church and society to protect vulnerable migrant children. The theme for the day, which the Church celebrated on September 27, is "Even just one of these children."

The Pope identified minors as the most vulnerable group in global migration movements. He noted that millions of children and adolescents are forced to flee their homes due to war, poverty, violence, and environmental disasters. He stated that the number of displaced minors continues to grow, leading to immense economic, political, and military consequences.

In his message, the Pope highlighted several specific hardships faced by these children, including those who have lost family members, witnessed violence, or endured long periods of separation from their parents. He also noted the traumatic conditions faced by minors traveling with their parents and the difficult situations of those separated from their families during repatriation.