Pope Leo XIV Urges Nations to Protect Refugees and Uphold Human Dignity

Vatican City, June 22, 2026: Pope Leo XIV urged nations not to turn away from people seeking protection and safety, as he marked World Refugee Day following the recitation of the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

Reflecting on the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the Pope highlighted the continued importance of the international agreement, which was established after the Second World War to protect the rights of refugees and provide legal safeguards for those forced to leave their homes due to persecution, violence, and conflict.

“I hope that the spirit which inspired the drafting of this important international instrument will continue today to enlighten the consciences of those responsible for nations,” Pope Leo said.

The Holy Father stressed that the world cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of displaced people and called for renewed efforts to welcome and protect them.

“No one can turn away from those seeking protection and safety,” he said, encouraging communities to help refugees live “in peace and dignity” and look towards the future with hope.

During his address, Pope Leo also expressed his closeness to the people of Brazil following a tragic road accident in the northeastern State of Ceará, which claimed the lives of several young people.

“I assure my prayers for the young people who died a few days ago in a road accident in the State of Ceará,” the Pope said.

The accident claimed the lives of seven members of a basketball team, aged between 15 and 22, who were students and alumni from schools in the city of Juazeiro do Norte.

The Pope also greeted members of the Catholic-Pentecostal International Dialogue, an initiative that has brought together representatives of the Catholic Church and Pentecostal communities for more than five decades to promote mutual understanding and Christian fraternity.

Referring to the ancient principle lex orandi, lex credendi (“the law of prayer is the law of belief”), Pope Leo said reflecting together on the connection between prayer and faith remains especially important in today’s world.

The dialogue continues to encourage greater understanding among Christians while promoting cooperation in witness and service.

Courtesy: Vatican News