Missionaries of Hope: Migrants and Refugees at the Heart of the Church

Pope Leo XIV's message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees offers a theologically rich, spiritually grounded, and socially engaged reflection on the contemporary phenomenon of migration. It invites the global Church to adopt a prophetic and renewed perspective: migrants and refugees are not merely people in need—they are bearers of hope, missionaries of the Gospel, and living signs of God's presence in our world.

At a time when many ecclesial communities appear weary, rigid, or burdened by spiritual dryness, Catholic migrants and refugees—often animated by deep faith and fervent devotion—can be a vital source of renewal. They bring with them fresh experiences of faith, new religious expressions, and a devotion forged in suffering and resilience. Their presence can help rekindle the spiritual vitality of parishes and communities that are struggling in an increasingly secular world.

From the Margins to the Heart of the Mission

One of the central messages of Pope Leo XIV is a reversal of perspective: migrants are not only recipients of mission, but active agents of evangelization. In the countries that receive them, they can help spread the message of Jesus Christ in places where the Gospel has yet to be heard or where faith is fading. They also foster interreligious dialogue, grounded not in theory but in daily life, coexistence, and the shared pursuit of common values.

In this way, the Pope calls on the Church to recognize migrants as authentic witnesses of faith, capable of "infecting" others with their hope. Their stories—often marked by pain, loss, perseverance, and spiritual strength—become living testimonies of the Gospel, capable of touching hearts and awakening the conscience of local communities.

Welcoming as a Form of Grace

The message also presents a deep theological reflection on the concept of hospitality. Pope Leo XIV cites the Letter to the Hebrews: "Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2). Hospitality is not just an act of charity or kindness—it is a path to divine encounter. Welcoming the stranger is, in fact, opening one's heart to God.

This spiritual dimension of hospitality is often overlooked in public discourse, but it stands at the core of the Pope's message. In a world increasingly shaped by fear of the other and defensive nationalism, the Pope invites the faithful to rediscover hospitality as a sacred act, an opportunity to receive grace through the presence of the migrant and refugee.

A World in Crisis: Global Challenges and Shared Responsibility

The message does not ignore the global context in which migration is taking place. On the contrary, it confronts it directly and honestly. The world today is marked by war, systemic violence, social injustice, and climate disasters—forces that are displacing millions of people from their homelands. Migration is no longer a marginal issue; it is a structural reality of our time, deeply intertwined with global economic, political, and environmental dynamics.

Pope Leo XIV strongly criticizes the widespread tendency to prioritize narrow, local interests, neglecting our shared human family. This inward-looking mindset is a grave threat to global solidarity, international cooperation, and the pursuit of the common good. Migration, if approached responsibly and compassionately, can become a source of mutual enrichment, peace, and human development.

The Pope's words grow even more urgent as he warns of the renewed arms race, the development of ever more destructive weapons—including nuclear arms—and the widespread disregard for the ecological crisis. These realities, coupled with growing economic inequality, represent serious challenges that jeopardize both present and future generations.

The Church as Mother and Prophet

In the face of these complex and painful realities, Pope Leo XIV calls on the Church to be both a welcoming mother and a prophetic voice of hope. Migrants and refugees are not burdens—they are a divine opportunity to live the Gospel in tangible ways, to embody mercy, justice, and fraternity.

The Church is called to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate migrants. These four verbs have been central to recent papal teachings, but Pope Leo XIV adds a fifth: "listen." The Church must listen to migrants' stories, their faith, their dreams, and their suffering—allowing itself to be transformed by them, and joining with them in building a more just and compassionate world.

Conclusion: A Blessing Not to Be Missed

In summary, Pope Leo XIV's message for the 2025 World Day of Migrants and Refugees is both a call to hope and a call to co-responsibility. Migrants and refugees are not just victims in need of assistance; they are protagonists of spiritual and social renewal. Their presence is a divine blessing, a grace that the Church must recognize and receive with joy and gratitude.

In a world increasingly divided by fear, selfishness, and indifference, the Church must be a prophetic sign of unity and communion. In every migrant's face, we are called to see the face of Christ himself. Only by embracing this perspective can we build a society that is truly open, fraternal, and rooted in the Gospel.

Marco  Baratto