Pope Leo XIV calls for protection of child migrants

Pope Leo XIV has issued a message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, scheduled for September 27, 2026. Centered on the theme ‘Even Just One of These Children,’ the Pope’s appeal focuses on the extreme vulnerability of minors forced to flee their homes.

The Pope highlighted the severe risks faced by migrant children, including human trafficking, exploitation, recruitment into armed conflicts, sexual violence, and forced marriages. He noted that these children are often ignored because they lack adult protection. He emphasized that the focus should not be on statistics or percentages, but on recognizing the individual dignity and stories of every child.

In his message, the Pope expressed gratitude to families, educators, volunteers, and aid workers who support displaced children. He also called upon civil institutions to uphold the principle of the best interests of the child and to improve protections to ensure their dignity is respected.