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Photo credit: Vatican News
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In Gratitude for Pope Francis: A Shepherd to Migrants and Refugees
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We join the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis and in reflecting on his profound legacy of compassion, justice, and faith.
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Thank you, Pope Francis, for always keeping Migrants and Refugees at the heart of your mission.
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There has been an outpouring of love and gratitude following his death and funeral. We, too, take this moment to honour his life, especially his unwavering concern for those on the move—those who journey in hope, often in hardship, toward a better future.
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In his last Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World), Pope Francis reminded us that: “Christ, my hope, has risen,” and called on the faithful to turn their gaze to the empty tomb. He spoke of the resurrection not as an abstract idea but as a living force, one that challenges, heals, and empowers. He said: "Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood. Forgiveness has triumphed over revenge.” “Evil has not disappeared from history; it will remain until the end, but it no longer has the upper hand; it no longer has power over those who accept the grace of this day.”
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Vatican News reminds us that his words were not just a proclamation of faith - they were a cry to humankind, for humanity, and that the Pope’s gaze, even in this moment of joy, did not stray from the suffering.
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In August 2021, Pope Francis shared a wonderful message, including the Three2Six project, his short video, calling us to live together with refugees and to learn from one another.
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In his 2024 message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, he invited the world to see migration as a sign of the times, as a symbol of the Church’s pilgrimage throughout history. “See in the migrants of our time, as in those of every age, a living image of God’s people on their way to the eternal homeland.”
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Pope Francis pointed out that “the fundamental reality of the Exodus, of every exodus, is that God precedes and accompanies His people and all His children in every time and place". He adds, “God’s presence amid the people is a certainty of salvation history: 'The Lord your God goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.'"
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Many migrants, the Pope continued, “experience God as their travelling companion, guide and anchor of salvation.” He explains that they “entrust themselves to Him before setting out and seek Him in times of need. In Him, they find consolation in moments of discouragement.”
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We, at the Three2Six Refugee Children’s Education Project, are deeply grateful for the life of Pope Francis and thank him for his enduring compassion, advocacy, and action for refugees, migrants, and the marginalised. His legacy inspires us to continue walking in solidarity with the displaced and to work for a world where everyone is welcomed, protected, and valued. May we honour his memory by carrying forward the mission he so faithfully lived.
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Mark Potterton on behalf of the Three2Six Refugee Community
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