About World Refugee Day

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In his first published encyclical, Humanitas Magnifica, Pope Leo XIV declared that “A litmus test for social justice today is the treatment of migrants, refugees and those forced to move due to poverty, violence, climate change and environmental disasters. The way a society treats them reveals whether its sense of justice is driven by fear or by the spirit of fraternity…. They are people with dignity, resources and dreams, who have the right to be treated with respect and to ask to become active members of the societies that welcome them.”

World Refugee Day, celebrated annually on June 20th, draws global attention to the plight of millions of refugees— individuals forcibly displaced from their homes due to various forms of conflict, violence, or persecution. As per UNHCR data, the refugee population surged to an alarming 36.8 million by the end of 2024, making their struggle an urgent humanitarian concern. Refugees face immense risks, including physical danger, emotional trauma, and socio-economic instability. In response, the Catholic Church champions a clear message of compassion and solidarity, which is rooted in its call to “welcome the stranger.” Through this conviction, the Church urges the faithful to actively participate in refugee resettlement initiatives, to better educate themselves on the causes, consequences, and effective solutions to refugee crises, and to support refugees living in their communities.

Catholic communities must become more engaged, working tirelessly to transform these teachings into concrete actions. This document highlights some of the ways in which Catholics can reach a deeper understanding of and commitment to the integration and support of refugees in their local communities.