Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics around the world to embrace compassion, justice, and solidarity with migrants, reminding them of their moral duty to welcome and assist those in need.
Speaking to more than 40,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, the opening day of the Jubilee of Migrants and the Missionary World, the pontiff urged the faithful to reflect on their values.
“In this year we must choose whom to serve justice or injustice, God or money,” Pope Leo said. “The Jubilee offers hope for a fairer distribution of the Earth’s wealth, which truly belongs to everyone. The world changes if we change.”
Among those present was Regina Ubiaco, a Nigerian-born Catholic living in Italy, who said migrants felt deeply connected to the Pope. “He is also a migrant, though from another part of the world. Celebrating with him today gives us a strong sense of unity,” she said.
On Sunday, the Pope reiterated his appeal for compassion, urging Catholics to actively support migrants and refugees. His comments came just days after he criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s strict anti-immigration stance.
