09/27/2026
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
27TH September 2026
“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.
Pope Leo points to the light of solidarity that is already visible in many communities, of all those who have already decided not to look the other way, of those who have opened the doors of their homes, and of the many volunteers and workers who, day after day, tend to the invisible wounds of young migrants, bearing witness that love can overcome indifference.
The Holy Father reminds us that we are all called to perform an act of humanity and faith: in every child we can welcome and encounter the Lord.
