Message of Pope Leo XIV for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
“Even just one of these children” is the theme of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2026 (WDMR), which will be celebrated on Sunday 27 September, the last Sunday of the month.
In his Message, the Holy Father draws attention to the plight of the many minors forced to flee their homeland due to war, poverty, violence, environmental disasters, and other tragedies – a number that continues to rise dramatically. In the context of migration flows, it is precisely children and adolescents who are the most vulnerable. As well as being forced to move and leave their homes, they endure suffering such as the loss of parents and loved ones, violence, the anguish of being far from home, and separation due to repatriation. Even young people who undertake the journey with their parents are nevertheless exposed to extreme and traumatic conditions. The Holy Father points out that many minors lose their lives along migration routes or fall victim to human trafficking, exploitation, sexual violence, and other atrocities.
In the Message, Pope Leo calls on everyone to act responsibly, asking that each person feel connected to what these young people go through – even just one of these children– because every child, every human being, possesses infinite dignity and we must do our part to ensure that this is respected. At a personal, ecclesial, and institutional level, the Holy Father calls for a concrete commitment to integrating and supporting young migrants and refugees, placing at the centre of our concern the protection and dignity of every single child and adolescent.