Show mercy and welcome migrants and refugees, Pope urges in annual message
October 01, 2015
The Holy See Press Office has released Pope Francis’s message for the 102nd World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will take place on January 17.
The message is entitled “Migrants and Refugees Challenge Us: The Response of the Gospel of Mercy.”
“Biblical revelation urges us to welcome the stranger; it tells us that in so doing, we open our doors to God, and that in the faces of others we see the face of Christ himself,” Pope Francis said in the message. “Many institutions, associations, movements and groups, diocesan, national and international organizations are experiencing the wonder and joy of the feast of encounter, sharing and solidarity. They have heard the voice of Jesus Christ: ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock’ (Rev 3:20).”
“Yet there continue to be debates about the conditions and limits to be set for the reception of migrants, not only on the level of national policies, but also in some parish communities whose traditional tranquility seems to be threatened,” he added. “Faced with these issues, how can the Church fail to be inspired by the example and words of Jesus Christ? The answer of the Gospel is mercy.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Migrants and Refugees Challenge Us. The Response of the Gospel of Mercy (Holy See Press Office)
- Theme announced for 2016 World Day of Migrants and Refugees (CWN, 8/20)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
