Pope Francis’s message for this year's World Day of Migrants and Refugees focuses on the freedom that should mark the decision to leave one’s homeland. Yet this vision is far from the reality faced by millions of desperate people worldwide, including those who currently seek refuge in Europe from situations of violence, poverty, political instability and ecological devastation in the Middle East and Africa. Pope Francis has called the Mediterranean Sea Europe’s largest cemetery.
The Pope says, “We need to make every effort to halt the arms race, economic colonialism, the plundering of other people’s resources and the devastation of our common home.” Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has made clear the links that underlie the global crisis of forced migration. Vatican News announced on August 25th, a second part of the Encyclical letter, Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, will focus on recent global events that further demonstrate the call for a concerted response.
Migrants and refugees carry with them stories of immense pain and loss. Their journeys are precarious and involve ongoing uncertainties at many points along the way. One serious threat is the risk of human trafficking. Columban missionary priest, Fr Peter O’Neill in his work with the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans, advocates for the protection of the rights of migrant workers and people who have been affected by human trafficking. ACRATH also raises awareness in the community about the harms of human trafficking and invites participation in various activities to stamp out the scourge.
In his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis says “the migrant is not simply a brother or sister in difficulty, but Christ himself, who knocks at our door.”
Let us pray,
God, Father Almighty, grant us the grace to work tirelessly for justice, solidarity and peace, so that all your children may enjoy the freedom to choose whether to migrate or to stay.
Grant us the courage to denounce all the horrors of our world, and to combat every injustice that mars the beauty of your children and the harmony of our common home.
Sustain us by the power of your Spirit, so that we can reflect your tender love to every migrant whom you place in our path, and to spread in hearts and in every situation the culture of encounter and of care.
Pope Francis’ Prayer for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
Related links
- Message of Pope Francis for the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2023
- Free to Choose Whether to Migrate or Stay, a publication of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office
