UNHCR chief Barham Salih meets Pope Leo XIV, highlighting the Church’s crucial role in helping refugees and urging global support amid rising crises.
Newsroom (27/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) Barham Salih, the newly appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has called the Catholic Church and faith-based institutions “essential partners” in the global effort to protect and resettle millions of displaced people. Speaking after his first official audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday, January 26, Salih emphasized that the Church’s moral authority and extensive humanitarian network play a vital role in the work of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
“It was truly a great honor for me to meet His Holiness,” Salih said in an interview with Vatican News. “His moral leadership and compassion for refugees worldwide matter deeply. The Church’s voice amplifies our mission and strengthens our capacity to deliver protection where it’s needed most.”
Salih, who assumed his post on January 1, 2026, is a former President of Iraq and once experienced life as a refugee himself. His appointment comes amid one of the most challenging moments in the UNHCR’s history. As of mid-2025, the agency reported that 117.3 million people worldwide had been forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, or environmental disasters, including 42.5 million refugees seeking safety across borders.
An Era of Unprecedented Displacement
The new High Commissioner faces a daunting task. Global humanitarian needs have surged while resources remain scarce. “It’s not only about saving lives but about restoring dignity,” Salih explained. “Many refugees are caught in protracted displacement, living in camps for decades. That is unacceptable. We have to create pathways for inclusion—access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods.”
He highlighted ongoing efforts in host countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Chad, which are pioneering more inclusive policies that allow refugees to participate in local economies. These measures, Salih argues, must be supported by increased development aid to ensure that both refugees and host communities benefit.
“I met families in Chad who have lived in camps since 2003,” he recalled. “They still hope to return home one day, but until peace allows that, we must ensure they can live with dignity and contribute to society.”
Funding Gaps and Reform Pressures
The UNHCR continues to face sharp funding shortfalls, further compounded by cuts to international aid from major donors, including the United States. Although Washington recently pledged $2 billion in humanitarian assistance through a UN pooled fund, the scale of the crisis far exceeds available resources.
“Every crisis—Sudan, Congo, Venezuela, Myanmar—stretches us further,” Salih warned. “We need a much stronger global commitment. This is not charity; it is a legal and moral responsibility.”
In response, Salih said the UNHCR is prioritizing internal reforms to enhance efficiency and ensure that limited funds reach those most in need. “We are working closely with other UN agencies to streamline operations, reduce duplication, and make humanitarian aid more cost-effective,” he added.
The Church’s Enduring Role
Pope Leo XIV, continuing the legacy of his predecessors, has made the plight of migrants and refugees a cornerstone of his papacy. His outreach and moral advocacy resonate strongly with Salih, who believes that the Church’s global network provides a model of compassionate solidarity.
“Faith-based organizations have been among the first responders in every crisis—from Syria to South Sudan,” Salih said. “Their presence on the ground, their commitment to human dignity, and their ability to mobilize local communities are invaluable.”
He also expressed hope for greater interfaith collaboration in humanitarian work, describing “interfaith philanthropy” as a powerful engine for collective action. “We must speak to the shared values at the heart of our faiths—solidarity, compassion, and justice,” he noted.
Toward Durable Solutions
When asked what most worries him in his role, Salih did not hesitate: “Lack of resources and lack of peace. Every dollar matters, but in the end, what truly ends displacement is peace—people being able to go home safely and with dignity.”
For now, Salih’s appeal to the international community is both practical and moral. “Protecting refugees is not optional; it is a collective duty,” he said. “It reflects who we are as human beings.”
His meeting with Pope Leo XIV marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a renewed partnership between faith and policy—a reminder that behind the staggering statistics lies a simple truth: refugees are not numbers, but people with dreams, agency, and the right to hope.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican news
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