By Emmalyn Liwag Kotte
Bochum, Germany
Credit: Annett_Klingner/Pixabay
Even while confined to his sickbed, ailing Pope Francis’ heart remains with the migrants.
In one of the first messages from the Holy Father since his confinement, Pope Francis wrote that he has chosen the theme “Migrants, missionaries of hope” for this year’s celebration of World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
The decision was announced March 3, by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
The announcement also pointed out that “migrants and refugees become “missionaries of hope” in the communities where they are welcomed, often contributing to revitalizing the faith and promoting interreligious dialogue based on common values”.
“In the light of the Jubilee, the theme highlights the courage and tenacity of migrants and refugees, who bear witness daily to hope for the future despite difficulties. It is the hope to reach happiness beyond borders, the hope that leads them to entrust themselves totally to God,” stated a communiqué that was released yesterday by the Holy See Press Office.
Pope Francis is known for his migrant advocacy. Days before being confined to the hospital he issued a major rebuke to the Trump administration for its plans for mass deportation of migrants calling the move as something that “will end badly”.
His rebuke was communicated in a letter to the U.S. bishops after Vice-President JD Vance´s attempt to justify the U.S. migrant crackdown.
In a letter dated February 11, Pope Francis condemned Trump's mass deportation plans, particularly the expanded powers given to immigration authorities to arrest and deport individuals in sensitive areas like schools, hospitals, and churches. The Pope expressed concern over actions based on violence and disregard for human dignity.
As history´s first Latin Pope, he has made migrants a priority of his pontificate citing the biblical command to “welcome the stranger” and has called on countries to welcome, promote and integrate those fleeing conflicts, poverty and climate disaster.
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees was established in 1914. It provides Catholics with a chance to reflect on and pray for those forced to flee due to conflict, persecution, and economic hardships. The 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will take place on October 4 and 5, 2025 on the occasion of the Jubilee of Migrants and the Missionary World.
Comments