Pope urges nations not to turn away from those seeking protection

Vatican News 

At the conclusion of the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, 21 June, Pope Leo XIV recalled World Refugee Day, observed by the United Nations on 20 June, and appealed for renewed commitment to the protection of those forced to flee persecution, violence, and conflict.

Marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the Pope reflected on the enduring importance of the international agreement established in the aftermath of the Second World War to safeguard the rights of refugees and provide legal protection for those compelled to leave their homes.

“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”, he said.

Pope Leo stressed that indifference is not an option in the face of human suffering, stressing that “no one can turn away from those seeking protection and safety”. He also encouraged societies to welcome those who have experienced persecution, so that they may live “in peace and dignity” and look to the future with hope.

Prayers for young victims in Brazil

Addressing pilgrims from Brazil, Pope Leo recalled a recent road accident in the northeastern State of Ceará that took the lives of several young men. 

“I assure my prayers for the young people who died a few days ago in a road accident in the State of Ceará”, he said. The tragedy claimed the lives of seven members of a basketball tea. Aged between 15 and 22, the victims were both students and alumni from numerous Brazilian schools the city of Juazeiro do Norte.

Catholic pentecostal dialogue

The Holy Father also greeted members of the Catholic-Pentecostal International Dialogue, a forum that has brought together representatives of the Catholic Church and Pentecostal communities for more than five decades in a spirit of mutual understanding and Christian fraternity.

Quoting the ancient principle lex orandi, lex credendi (“the law of prayer is the law of belief”), Pope Leo noted that reflecting together on the relationship between prayer and faith is especially significant in today’s world. The dialogue seeks to foster greater understanding between Christians while encouraging cooperation in witness and service.