In view of the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, scheduled for September 27, 2026, the Pope Leo XIV focuses his message on migrant minors under the slogan “Even one of these little ones”, inspired by Matthew 18:5: “Whoever receives a child like this in my name receives me.”
In his message, the Pope alerts about a reality that particularly affects children and adolescents: millions must leave their lands each year due to "wars, poverty, violence, environmental disasters, and other tragedies," becoming “the most vulnerable within global migration flows.”
Minors exposed to multiple violences
Pope Leo XIV also alerts about the consequences that forced migration leaves on minors. Some have lost their parents, siblings, or friends; others live separated from their families or face the journey “exposed to extreme and traumatic conditions.”
The message also focuses on the violence that minors suffer during migration: deaths, trafficking, exploitation, recruitment for armed conflicts, sexual violence, and forced marriages. “Their dignity is trampled in too many ways,” denounces the Pontiff.
“Even one alone” matters. With this statement, Leo XIV questions any perspective that reduces child migration to numbers and statistics. The Pope reminds that each child “possesses infinite dignity” and recognizing it is “an act of humanity and faith”.
Rights, welcome, and integration
In light of this reality, the Bishop of Rome calls for a response that involves the countries of origin, transit, and destination. “We cannot remain indifferent, nor get used to so much suffering”, he asserts, and proposes to recognize each minor by “their dignity” rather than by their status as a “migrant.”
He calls to protect fundamental rights such as "life, education, and a standard of living that allows them to grow and develop fully.” He invites to listen to “their story, their fears, and their dreams.”
To the Church, he asks to transform “the hospitality of an abstract concept into a constant pastoral practice.”. Christian communities must welcome migrants and refugees “as full members of the ecclesial family,” prevent loneliness, and promote spaces for encounters between local youth and migrants.
Shared responsibility
The protection of migrant minors —he asserts— requires the commitment of all. Therefore, encourages different religions to weave "networks of protection" that respect and value each child in their cultural identity, and asks civil institutions to place at the center "the protection and dignity of every child and adolescent."
For León XIV, protecting minors also requires ensuring family unity. Therefore, he demands "effective legal instruments" that promote reunification and prevent the traumas of separation. The Pope also asks to change the focus of the response: to move "from mere management of migratory flows to the full and immediate protection of human rights," through "a coordinated, supportive, and effective response."
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees, celebrated by the Church since 1914 and set since 2018 for the last Sunday of September, will focus its attention on minors in 2026. León XIV summarizes his call to protect them with a statement: "To protect a minor means, ultimately, to safeguard the divine imprint left on them."
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