Love the Stranger
I read a report in the Times on Friday that was quite upsetting: footage suggests that a child was hit by a small boat and left in the sea off a French beach on Monday, during the busiest day for Channel crossings this year.
This Sunday is the World Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees, and Pope Leo’s 2026 message invites us to think about how migration touches children. The theme for this 112th day is ‘Even just one of these children’. The Pope reminds us that young people are the most vulnerable among those moving around the world — each has a face and a story that speaks to our hearts. While the loudest voices in the media often say ‘Stop the Boats’, this day calls us to listen more kindly voices. As Pope Leo writes in Dilexi Te:
The Church, like a mother, notices children; where walls go up, she builds bridges. She knows the Gospel only rings true through warmth and welcome. And she understands that in every migrant turned away, Christ himself is knocking at our door.
Bishop Paul McAleenan, speaking for the Bishops’ Conference, adds:
Whenever we form views on migrants and refugees, let’s remember that as Catholics we should hold the whole Gospel – including when Jesus put a child in front of his friends and said, ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.’
As Pope Francis says, ‘Every migrant has a name, a face and a story.’ Today, migration and refugees can stir strong feelings and differences of opinion: so we’re all looking for kind and just ways forward.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has shared Love the Stranger, a document that gives a set of twenty-four helpful ideas. It is backed by the Holy See, COMECE (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union), CSAN (Caritas Social Action Network) and CAFOD. The Caritas Social Action Network has put together a friendly guide for parishes and catechists, explaining Catholic teaching on migration and how we can stand alongside migrants and refugees.
A prayer for World Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees:
Lord Jesus, today you invite us to welcome those in God’s family who come to our shores to escape hardship, poverty, persecution, violence and war. Like your disciples, we may feel fear, doubt or even suspicion. We sometimes build walls in our hearts and minds.
Lord Jesus, please help us by your grace:
– to let go of fear so we can embrace each of your children as our own brother or sister;
– to welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, meeting their many needs;
– to hear your call for everyone to gather on your holy mountain to learn peace and justice;
– to share what we have, just as you spread a feast before us;
– to show your love for everyone, celebrating the many gifts they bring.
We praise you and give thanks for the family you have gathered from so many places. In this human family we see a reflection of the unity of the Holy Trinity, to whom we offer our prayer: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
