0:00

Laudato a Jesus Christus, Vatican and World News.

0:12

In the headlines this Wednesday, September the 23rd, ahead of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV appeals for the protection and care of minors on the move.

0:25

The Apostolic Nuncio to France speaks about ongoing preparations and expectations for the Pope's imminent visit to the country.

0:34

And at the general audience, the Pope reflects on how humanity can develop its potential and work to build a better future with the help of God.

0:43

In the Vatican, I'm Linda Bordoni.

0:48

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday issued an urgent appeal to everyone to take responsibility

0:54

for young migrants and refugees exposed to violence, exploitation and traumatic conditions along migration routes.

1:02

As Isabella de Carvalho reports, the Pope's plea came just days ahead of the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

1:13

My thoughts go out to migrants and refugees, especially minors forced to leave their homelands, the Pope said.

1:20

Children and adolescents are the most vulnerable, he continued,

1:23

noting that they often endure unspeakable suffering, violence, torture, exploitation and traumatic conditions, and not infrequently lose their lives along migration routes.

1:34

The Pope then made a direct appeal. I appeal to everyone's sense of responsibility,

1:38

that everyone feel personally involved in the lives of these young people, who must always be protected and cared for. e assistiti.

1:45

Poblio's appeal comes four days before the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, to which he issued a message on the theme, even just one of these children.

1:54

In his message published in August, the Pope recalls that minors are among the most vulnerable people involved in migration and forced to displacement.

2:02

In it, he notes that millions of children and adolescents are forced to leave their homeland because of war, poverty, violence, environmental disasters, and other tragedies.

2:10

Sadly, their number continues to grow. Pobley also points to

2:13

deaths along migration routes, trafficking and exploitation, the recruitment of minors for use in armed conflicts, sexual violence, forced marriages, and the atrocities they have suffered or witnessed during their travels.

2:24

Their dignity is trampled upon in countless ways. Yet the Pope insists that the response cannot be reduced to statistics.

2:30

Before this tragic reality, he writes, My thoughts turn to the words of Jesus that profoundly challenge our conscience.

2:36

Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.

2:39

According to UNHCR's Global Trends 2025, 45 million children under the age of 18 were among the 117.8 million forcibly displaced people at the end of 2025.

2:50

I'm Isabella de Carvalho. And as Pope Leo XIV

2:53

prepares to embark on an apostolic visit to France from the 25th to the 28th of September,

3:00

the apostolic nuncio to the country, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, told Vatican Radio about preparations on the ground.

3:08

Speaking to Deborah Luboff, he also expressed his belief that the visit will further the rediscovery of Christianity while sending a powerful message to a hesitant Europe.

3:19

Well, expectations are high. The Catholic community

3:23

and indeed people beyond the Catholic fold greatly appreciated Pope Leo's decision to dedicate one of his very first international trips to France.

3:35

Preparations are intense and I would say enthusiastic,

3:39

given that registration for the major events in the three cities included in the apostolic visit was fully booked within days of opening.

3:50

According to some polls, more than 80% of French people say they have a favorable opinion of Pope Leo.

3:59

This broad consensus transcends religious and gender relations divides.

4:06

His serenity, his peaceful and disarming nature, and his ability to convey a clear, persuasive message are seen as a strength and a source of confidence.

4:19

France is a country that carries considerable weight on the world stage in quite a few respects.

4:27

In this context, what aspects of the Pope's visit to the country do you think will attract attention beyond the country's borders?

4:37

Well, the social and ecclesiastical situation in France is common to those found in various other European countries.

4:46

And not only that, we eagerly

4:49

look forward to gaining a

4:53

better understanding of the Pope's perspective