(ANS - Vatican City) - "Migrants and refugees challenge us. The response of the Gospel of Mercy."  This is the theme chosen by the Pope for the next World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which - at the Church level - will be celebrated on Sunday 17 January 2016. Here are some excerpts.

“In our time, migration is growing worldwide. Refugees and people fleeing from their homes challenge individuals and communities, and their traditional ways of life; at times they upset the cultural and social horizons which they encounter” the Pope writes.

And he goes on: “Migration movements are now a structural reality, and our primary issue must be to deal with the present emergency phase by providing programmes which address the causes of migration and the changes it entails, including its effect on the makeup of societies and peoples.”

The Pope asks: "Faced with these issues, how can the Church fail to be inspired by the example and words of Jesus Christ? The answer of the Gospel is mercy.”

The full text of the Message of the Holy Father is available in several languages ​​on the website of the Bulletin of the Press Office of the Holy See.

Published 2/10/2015