Recognising the Dignity of Every Child
As conversations about migration continue across Australia and around the world, the Catholic Church will celebrate the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) on Sunday 27 September 2026. This annual observance invites Catholics and all people of goodwill to reflect on the experiences, hopes and challenges faced by migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum and displaced persons.
This year’s theme, Even Just One of These Children (cf. Matthew 18:10), places a particular focus on the dignity and protection of children affected by migration. Inspired by the words of Jesus, the theme reminds us that every child is precious in the eyes of God and deserves to be treated with respect, compassion and care.
In his message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV highlights the inherent dignity of every person, especially the most vulnerable. He calls upon governments, communities and individuals to ensure that migrant and refugee children are protected from exploitation, discrimination and exclusion. The Holy Father reminds us that behind every statistic is a human story, a family seeking safety, opportunity and hope for a better future.
The life of the Catholic Church in this country is deeply connected to Australian’s migration story. Recently, the Church commemorated the 75th anniversary of the 1950 pastoral letter Under the Southern Cross, a landmark document that recognised the contribution of migrants to the growth of both the nation and the Church. The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on how migration has enriched Australian society through faith, culture, skills and community spirit.
Catholic teaching consistently affirms the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees. The Church teaches that every person has the right to live in safety and to seek opportunities to support themselves and their families. At the same time, communities are called to welcome newcomers and foster social cohesion, mutual understanding and solidarity.
The work of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) continues this mission through advocacy, education and pastoral support. One significant initiative is the ACMRO Migrant Jubilee Cross Journey, which celebrates the faith, resilience and contributions of migrant communities across Australia. The journey serves as a visible reminder that migrants have played and continue to play, an important role in shaping the Church and society. Embedded within the Cross are two holy relics that deepen its meaning: one associated with the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; and another associated with Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint.
As we celebrate the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we are encouraged to move beyond political debates and focus on the human faces behind migration. By recognising the dignity of every person, especially children and appreciating the richness migrants bring to our communities, we can foster more positive conversations and strengthen social cohesion. During his visit to the Canary Islands, Spain, on 22 June 2026, Pope Leo stated: “Human dignity has no passport and does not lose its value when crossing a border.”
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees reminds us that welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating migrants and refugees is not only a social responsibility but also a reflection of the Gospel call to love our neighbour. In doing so, we build communities that are more compassionate, inclusive and united.
Fr Khalid Marogi
National Director, ACMRO
Photos supplied and used with permission.