Pope selects theme centered on hope for church’s celebration of migrants

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has chosen “Migrants, missionaries of hope” as the theme for the Catholic Church’s celebration of World Day of Migrants and Refugees, linking the world day to the Jubilee message of hope.

“In light of the Jubilee, the theme highlights the courage and tenacity of migrants and refugees who bear witness each day to hope for the future despite difficulties,” the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development said in a statement announcing the message March 3.

The hope of migrants “is the hope of achieving happiness even beyond borders, the hope that leads them to rely totally on God,” it said.

The chosen theme draws from the theme for the Holy Year 2025: “Pilgrims of hope.”

This year, the world day will not be observed on the last Sunday of September as usual but will instead take place Oct. 4-5 to coincide with both the Jubilee of Migrants and the Jubilee of the Missions at the Vatican.

“Migrants and refugees become ‘missionaries of hope’ in the communities where they are welcomed, often revitalizing their faith and promoting interreligious dialogue based on common values,” the dicastery said in its announcement. “They remind the church of the ultimate goal of the earthly pilgrimage, which is to reach the future homeland.”

Read More Vatican News

Wrapping up France visit, Pope Leo calls on Europe to choose reconciliation over division

At Lourdes, a refuge for the ill, Pope Leo stands against assisted dying laws

Pope Leo XIV leads thousands in candlelight rosary procession in Lourdes

Pope encourages French youth to seek holiness during visually rich stadium vigil

Pope Leo prays for the sick and suffering in the Lourdes grotto in France

Moved by Pope Leo’s empathy, French abuse survivors urged action on ‘systemic’ failures

Copyright © 2025 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

 Print