Pope Leo XIV highlighted the unique role of migrants and refugees as “privileged witnesses of hope.” as part of Jubilee dedicated to migrants and refugees
Newsroom (02/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV called for urgent global responses to the plight of over 100 million migrants and refugees, warning against the “globalization of impotence” that risks paralyzing action in the face of human suffering. Addressing participants at the International Conference “Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home” at the Augustinianum, the Pontiff emphasized the need for a “culture of reconciliation” to counter indifference and resignation.
Drawing on the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who famously decried the “globalization of indifference,” Leo XIV introduced a new cautionary term: the “globalization of impotence.” This mindset, he warned, emerges when people become “immobile, silent, and perhaps sad,” believing nothing can be done to alleviate the suffering of the innocent. With over 100 million people affected by migration and displacement worldwide, such inaction is untenable, he stressed.
The conference, organized by Villanova University and held ahead of the Jubilee of the Missionary World and Migrants, brought together representatives from academia, NGOs, and community partners to devise actionable plans addressing the structural causes of migration. Pope Leo expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants, noting their contributions will fuel a three-year project built on four pillars: teaching, research, service, and support.
A Call to Action Rooted in Human Dignity
The Pope underscored that these efforts aim to unite authoritative voices across disciplines to tackle the urgent challenges posed by rising migration and displacement. “I assure you of my prayers that these endeavors may yield new ideas and approaches, always placing the dignity of each human person at the center of every solution,” he said.
Central to his message were the themes of reconciliation and hope. Reconciliation, he noted, is critical to overcoming the indifference that often hampers responses to large-scale crises. Quoting Pope Francis, he reiterated the danger of growing accustomed to others’ suffering, which can lead to the paralyzing sense of impotence he seeks to combat.
Promoting a Culture of Reconciliation
Just as Pope Francis advocated a “culture of encounter” to counter indifference, Pope Leo urged the promotion of a “culture of reconciliation” to address impotence. “We must meet one another, healing our wounds, forgiving the wrongs we have done and those we have failed to address,” he said, emphasizing patience, empathetic listening, and shared aspirations as essential to this process.
The Pope also highlighted the unique role of migrants and refugees as “privileged witnesses of hope.” Their resilience and faith, he said, serve as powerful examples, particularly in regions scarred by prolonged conflict. “Despite the obstacles they face, they often retain their strength while seeking a better future,” he noted.
A Vision for the Jubilee
With the upcoming Jubilee dedicated to migrants and refugees, Pope Leo encouraged participants to amplify these stories of hope within the communities they serve. By doing so, they can develop strategies to address the challenges faced by displaced populations. He acknowledged the complexity of the task but stressed that lasting change requires touching “hearts and minds” through concrete gestures and policies of reconciliation.
The conference, held at the Augustinianum, marks a significant step toward collaborative action, uniting global voices to confront one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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