“Even Just One of These Children” is the title chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be held on September 27.
As reported by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on April 9 statementThe title chosen by the Pontiff makes a direct reference to the Gospel of St. Matthew: “Whoever welcomes such a child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5).
By doing so, the Holy Father wishes to express the Church’s concern for minors who, due to various circumstances, are forced to undergo the migration experience.
According to the statement, through this theme, Pope Leo XIV appeals to the responsibility of the Church and all the faithful, “recalling the duty of welcoming each of them, as the Gospel teaches us”.
As the Department noted, the current migration scenario presents new challenges that seriously jeopardize the rights and dignity of children, requiring an urgent and effective response.
“It is not a matter of discussing numbers or percentages, because even ‘just one’ has the highest value,” Dicastery stressed.
The Catholic Church has celebrated this day since 1914 to demonstrate its concern for vulnerable people who are forced to flee their homes.
The Department also invited the faithful to reflect and pray for all individuals who are facing many challenges and to raise awareness of the opportunities that migration can provide.
in his Message For the 2025 World Migrant and Refugee Day, the Holy Father affirmed that Catholic refugees “can become missionaries of hope in the countries that welcome them” while emphasizing “their potential to revitalize Church communities that have become rigid and burdened.”
On the occasion of the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking in February, the Pope also condemned “The same logic of domination and disregard for human life,” especially towards displaced persons, migrants and refugees.
this story was first published By ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language affiliate of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
