Title of the Message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

“Even just one of these children”

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has chosen “Even just one of these children” as the title for his message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, making clear reference to the Gospel according to Matthew: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Mt 18:5). With this choice, the Holy Father intends to express the Church’s concern for minors directly involved in migration, recalling the duty to welcome each one of them as the Gospel teaches us.

This is not the first time that the Popes have spoken authoritatively on this issue, but the current migration situation presents new challenges that seriously threaten the rights and dignity of the youngest among us and require urgent and effective responses. Therefore, this is not a matter of discussing numbers or percentages, because “even just one” has the highest value.