Pope Leo XIV Calls on Catholics to Embrace Migrants, Inspiring a Global Message of Compassion
In a moving address at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV urged the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics to welcome migrants with open hearts, emphasizing solidarity, hope, and the Church’s role in a new missionary age
In a powerful message of compassion and solidarity, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics worldwide to embrace migrants and refugees, reinforcing the Church’s mission as a source of hope, hospitality, and moral guidance. Speaking to thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, the Pope highlighted the importance of welcoming newcomers as brothers and sisters, and of extending kindness and support to those seeking safety and dignity.
The Pope’s address, delivered during Mass celebrating the Jubilee of the Missionary World and the Jubilee of Migrants, emphasized that migrants should never face “the coldness of indifference or the stigma of discrimination.” Instead, he encouraged the faithful to see migration as an opportunity for the Church to renew itself through cultural exchange and human solidarity.
“This is a moment to open our arms and hearts,” Pope Leo said, urging Catholics to be a presence of consolation, hope, and support in the lives of migrants. By framing migration as an opportunity rather than a challenge, he highlighted the transformative potential of human connection, empathy, and shared faith.
A New Missionary Age
Pope Leo, elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, described the current period as a “new missionary age” for the global Church. In this era, he said, Catholics are called to act with compassion and solidarity toward those fleeing violence or seeking a safer life.
He noted that communities in traditional Christian regions, particularly in the West, have an opportunity to embrace people from the world’s South. This cultural and spiritual exchange, he explained, has the power to renew and enrich the Church, fostering understanding, growth, and unity across nations and communities.
The Pope’s message comes shortly after he offered thoughtful criticism of hard-line immigration policies, reminding the faithful that the Church’s teachings call for care, dignity, and the protection of life for all human beings. His remarks reaffirm the Church’s longstanding commitment to social justice, humanitarian aid, and global moral leadership.
Celebrating Diversity and Global Solidarity
The Jubilee event drew more than 10,000 pilgrims from over 95 countries, reflecting the truly global nature of the Church and its mission. By bringing together Catholics from diverse backgrounds, Pope Leo emphasized that migration enriches communities, fostering intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, and spiritual growth.
The Pope also encouraged Church leaders and local communities to see migrants not as outsiders, but as partners in building vibrant, inclusive, and compassionate societies. This perspective reinforces the idea that welcoming newcomers can strengthen social cohesion, inspire innovation, and deepen faith through acts of service and hospitality.
A Message for All Faithful
Pope Leo’s address was delivered from a prepared text, marking a thoughtful and measured tone that has distinguished his papacy so far. He invited all Catholics to consider how they can contribute positively to the lives of migrants, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simple acts of kindness in daily life.
By framing migration as both a moral responsibility and an opportunity for renewal, the Pope’s message resonates beyond the Church, encouraging governments, communities, and individuals to work together to support displaced people and foster inclusive societies.
Hope, Compassion, and the Future
As the Church continues its holy year, Pope Leo’s call to action reminds the faithful that the mission of welcoming and supporting migrants is central to Catholic teaching. His words serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging empathy, understanding, and a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles.
For millions around the world, the Pope’s message underscores the importance of solidarity in a time of global uncertainty, demonstrating that faith, compassion, and proactive engagement can transform lives and communities. In embracing migrants, Catholics are invited to embody the Church’s values, create lasting connections, and participate in a global movement of hope, renewal, and shared humanity.
Through this vision, Pope Leo XIV inspires a forward-looking Church, one that is ready to meet the challenges of the modern world with wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity of all people.
