Foreigners enrich society, Pope says in annual message for World Day of Migrants (Vatican Press Office)

In his message for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis remarks that “in Isaiah’s prophecy, the arrival of foreigners is presented as a source of enrichment.”

The annual World Day of MIgrants and Refugees will be observed on Sunday, September 25. The Pope’s message—on the theme, “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees”—was released by the Vatican on May 12.

In his message the Pope reflects on the Biblical image of the New Jerusalem. In that ideal society, he says, “No one must be excluded. God’s plan is essentially inclusive and gives priority to those living on the existential peripheries. Among them are many migrants and refugees, displaced persons, and victims of trafficking.”