Pope draws attention to displaced minors in message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees
August 14, 2026
Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the situation of minors in his message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (background).
The message, entitled “Even Just One of These Children” (cf. Mt 18:10), was dated August 11 and released today. The Church will commemorate the world day on September 27, the last Sunday in September.
“Each year the World Day of Migrants and Refugees invites us to turn our attention to different aspects of the complex phenomenon of migration,” Pope Leo begain. “For this 112th World Day, the theme, ‘Even just one of these children,’ draws our attention to the minors directly involved in the experience of migration and flight, to the care owed to them, and to the Lord’s promise that ‘whoever receives one such child in my name receives me’“ (Mk 9:37).
The message has three sections:
- Displaced minors: a complex reality of vulnerability
- Even just one of these children
- An appeal to the responsibility of all
“Let us entrust migrant and refugee children to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary who, together with Saint Joseph and the child Jesus experienced the cruelty of Herod’s violence and the tragedy of exile in Egypt,” the Pontiff concluded. “May she accompany their steps and help our communities to become living and credible signs of the Gospel.”
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