His Holiness Pope Leo XIV : Migrants are “witnesses of hope” in a devastated world

Fleeing Sudanese seeking refuge in Chad  (ZOHRA BENSEMRA)

In his Message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the important witness that migrants and refugees offer in a world affected by conflict and inequality in hoping and searching for a better and more peaceful future.

By Isabella H. de Carvalho

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV highlights how migrants and refugees are witnesses of hope and tenacity amidst adversity and calls for a future of peace and respect for human dignity, in his Message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, released on Friday, July 25.

This year, rather than being celebrated on September 24 as usual, the World Day will coincide with the Jubilee of Migrants and of Missions, which takes place on October 4 and 5. This annual event encourages the faithful to show support and closeness to the millions of people who are forced to leave their homes and places of origin. According to the United Nations, at the end of 2024, around 123.4 million people were forcibly displaced across the world due to persecution, conflict, violence or other issues.

A desire for peace is essential for humanity

Pope Leo XIV begins his Message underlining how the world is “faced with frightening scenarios and the possibility of global devastation”.

“The prospect of a renewed arms race and the development of new armaments, including nuclear weapons, the lack of consideration for the harmful effects of the ongoing climate crisis, and the impact of profound economic inequalities make the challenges of the present and the future increasingly demanding”, he explained, adding that these issues have forced millions to leave their homelands.

He points out that the “widespread tendency” to look at “the interests of limited communities” poses a threat to sharing “responsibility, multilateral cooperation, the pursuit of the common good and global solidarity”.

For Pope Leo, “it is important there be a growing desire in people’s hearts for a future of peace and of respect for the dignity of all”. He stresses that “such a future is essential to God’s plan for humanity and the rest of creation”, citing passages from the biblical book of Zechariah emphasizing that, as Christians, “we believe and hope in its full realization, for the Lord is always faithful to His promises”…

This News was originally published on the Vatican News Website, Click here to read more.