We look to what the Holy Father taught us about our sisters and brothers seeking sanctuary.
There were many countries that Pope Francis could have chosen for his first official visit outside of Rome back in 2013. But he ignored expectations and chose the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, the arrival point for many people making dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean.
Pope Francis prayed for refugees and migrants lost at sea, and during Mass on the island, spoke the words, “Lord, we ask forgiveness, for those who with their laws and decisions have created situations that have led to these tragedies.”
During Holy Thursday celebrations in 2016, Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of 11 refugees. The highly symbolic Easter ritual of washing the feet commemorates the rite that Jesus practised with his Apostles before his Crucifixion.
"All of us together: Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, Copts, Evangelicals. But all brothers and children of the same God," the pontiff said at a Mass at a migrant reception centre north of Rome.
When Pope Francis visited the Greek island of Lesbos in 2016 it was at the centre of the migration crisis. He spent time talking to refugees in a large camp. “I am here to tell you, you are not alone,” he said.
The Holy Father then stunned many when he took three families from Syria, including six children, back to Rome aboard the papal plane to live at the Vatican. He would later invite a group of refugees to accompany him on stage at one of his Wednesday General Audience addresses which attract thousands of people. He told the enormous crowd, “They are our brothers.”
