Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Hope and Action on Migration and Climate Change

During a recent conference titled "Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home," held in Rome from October 1-3, 2025, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of migrants and refugees. He described them as "privileged witnesses of hope" due to their resilience and faith in the face of adversity. The conference, co-sponsored by the Vatican dicasteries for Promoting Integral Human Development and Culture and Education, aimed to inspire action plans focusing on teaching, research, service, and advocacy related to migration.

Migrants, refugees are often models of hope and faith, pope saysPope Leo XIV Calls for Reconciliation and Hope in Global Response to Migrants and RefugeesNational Catholic ReporterPope Leo calls for global action to tackle climate change a day after wading into US political debateNew York Times

Pope Leo urged participants to share the stories of migrants to foster understanding and compassion. He highlighted the need for a culture of reconciliation to combat the "globalization of powerlessness." Michele R. Pistone, founder of the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration, echoed this sentiment, stating that encountering migrants can transform perceptions and promote community integration.

Migrants, refugees are often models of hope and faith, pope says

Simultaneously, Pope Leo XIV called for urgent global action to address climate change during the "Raising Hope for Climate Justice" conference held at Castel Gandolfo, Italy. This event marked the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical, *Laudato Si'*, which emphasizes environmental stewardship as a moral imperative. Leo stressed that damaging the environment contradicts Christian values and urged individuals and organizations to pressure governments for stricter environmental regulations.

Pope Leo calls for global action to tackle climate change a day after wading into US political debateNew York TimesNational Catholic ReporterPope Leo XIV Calls for Reconciliation and Hope in Global Response to Migrants and RefugeesMigrants, refugees are often models of hope and faith, pope says

In his address, Pope Leo referenced the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil, expressing hope that it would heed the "cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor." He underscored the need for a "true ecological conversion," urging society to shift from mere data collection to genuine care for creation.

Pope Leo calls for global action to tackle climate change a day after wading into US political debate

Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, criticized the narrative surrounding migrants, particularly during the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign, which portrayed them as threats. She called on political leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to engage with migrants personally to understand their struggles. Pimentel emphasized that migrants contribute positively to communities and should be welcomed rather than feared.

Migrants, refugees are often models of hope and faith, pope says

Pope Leo XIV's remarks at both conferences highlighted the interconnectedness of migration and environmental issues. He stated, "We may not have the power to stop the injustices that are destroying our communities. But we do have the power to love." This call for compassion and action resonates with the broader mission of the Catholic Church to advocate for marginalized populations.

Pope Leo calls for global action to tackle climate change a day after wading into US political debate

• “1, she said that “in a world marked by fear, division and uncertainty, we are invited to be people of hope, pilgrims of hope, of that hope which comes from our trust in the Lord.” — Sister Norma Pimentel, Missionary of Jesus

Migrants, refugees are often models of hope and faith, pope says

• “We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures” — Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo calls for global action to tackle climate change a day after wading into US political debate

• “No government can stop us from living out our faith and caring for our refugee brothers and sisters,” — Sister Norma Pimentel, Missionary of Jesus

Migrants, refugees are often models of hope and faith, pope says

• “What must be done now to ensure that caring for our common home and listening to the cry of the earth and the poor do not appear as mere passing trends or, worse still, that they be seen and felt as divisive issues?” — Pope Leo XIV

New York Times

The initiatives discussed at the conferences are set to continue over the next three years, focusing on developing actionable plans to address the challenges faced by migrants and the environment. The upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil will serve as a critical platform for further discussions on global climate action.

National Catholic Reporter