Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In his homily, he reflects on this Sunday’s liturgical readings and reminds us “it is not just about migrants”.

By Vatican News

The first World Day of Migrants and Refugees was celebrated in 1914. Since then, this annual commemoration has become an opportunity to express concern for vulnerable people on the move, and to pray for increased awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.

Concern for the vulnerable

Attention to the vulnerable is at the heart of this Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm. In his homily, Pope Francis noted how the Psalmist “makes explicit mention” of those who are “forgotten and subject to oppression”. The Lord has a particular concern “for foreigners, widows and orphans”, said the Pope, because “they are without rights, excluded and marginalized”.