Pope Leo XIV has called for stronger global action to protect migrant and refugee children, warning that minors forced to flee their countries frequently face violence, torture, exploitation, trauma and even death along migration routes.
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The pontiff made the appeal on Wednesday during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, ahead of the Catholic Church’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be observed on Sunday, September 27.
Addressing thousands of pilgrims, Pope Leo said his thoughts were particularly with children and teenagers compelled to leave their homelands, describing them as among the most vulnerable people affected by migration.
He said young migrants often experience “unspeakable suffering,” including violence, torture, exploitation and traumatic conditions, while some lose their lives during dangerous journeys in search of safety.
“I appeal to everyone’s sense of responsibility,” the Pope said, urging individuals and institutions to recognise their duty towards displaced children and ensure that they are protected and assisted.
The appeal reinforces the theme of the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, titled “Even Just One of These Children,” which places particular emphasis on minors affected by migration and displacement.
In his message for the observance, Pope Leo said millions of children and adolescents are forced from their homes each year by war, poverty, violence, environmental disasters and other crises.
He noted that some children lose parents, siblings and friends, while others become separated from their families or endure dangerous journeys alongside their parents.
The pontiff also highlighted risks including trafficking, sexual violence, forced marriage, recruitment of children into armed conflicts and deaths along migration routes.
Pope Leo said governments and institutions should move beyond merely managing migration and give priority to protecting the rights, dignity and best interests of children.
He called for effective legal protections, efforts to promote family reunification and measures aimed at preventing the trauma caused by separating children from their parents.
The Pope also said countries of origin should tackle the conditions that force families and children to flee, while transit and destination countries should provide protection, reception and opportunities for integration.
Pope Leo, who is the first U.S.-born pontiff, has repeatedly spoken about the treatment of migrants since becoming Pope. In April, he criticised what he described as the degrading treatment of migrants, saying in broader remarks that some were being treated “worse than house pets.” He has also raised concerns about aspects of U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
However, in his Wednesday appeal at the Vatican, Pope Leo did not single out the United States or any other country, framing his message instead as a global call for responsibility towards migrant and refugee children.
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