Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88, will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking role as the first Latin American pontiff, but also for his unwavering compassion towards immigrants and refugees around the world.
Throughout his papacy, Francis consistently advocated for the rights and dignity of migrants, drawing on Christian teachings and his own South American roots to call for global solidarity.
On This Page You Will Find:
- How Pope Francis spoke about immigration and refugees
- His criticism of global deportation policies
- Biblical comparisons to the Holy Family
- His actions to support migrants financially
- His apology to Canada’s Inuit population
- His lasting legacy in Catholic social teaching
A Voice for the Vulnerable
In a heartfelt letter shared in February 2025, Pope Francis described immigration as a “major crisis” and expressed deep concern over deportation practices, particularly in the United States under President Donald Trump’s second term. His message highlighted the human cost of such actions, saying they harm “the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families,” and leave people “defenseless.”
Francis linked the experiences of modern-day migrants to biblical history, referring to the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt:
“The family of Nazareth in exile, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, emigrants in Egypt … are the model, the example and the consolation of emigrants and pilgrims of every age and country.”
More Than Words: Real Support
Pope Francis backed his statements with action. In 2019, he donated $500,000 to support migrants at the U.S.–Mexico border. The funds were used to provide food, shelter and basic necessities to those fleeing poverty, violence and environmental destruction.
His choice to speak and act on behalf of migrants reflected a broader Catholic teaching that calls for the protection of human dignity and the embrace of strangers.
Apology to Canada’s Indigenous Population
Pope Francis’s compassion also extended to Indigenous peoples. During his 2022 visit to Canada, he issued a historic apology to Indigenous groups for the Catholic Church’s role in operating residential schools. These institutions were part of a system that forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families, aiming to erase their languages and cultures.
Speaking in Iqaluit, Nunavut, the Pope said he was “deeply sorry” and acknowledged the “evil” committed by members of the Church. He called the residential school experience “a catastrophic error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
His apology, though met with mixed reactions, was viewed by many as a step toward healing and reconciliation. It marked one of the rare times a pope publicly addressed the wrongdoings of the Church in such a direct and personal way.
Legacy After Death
As Catholics and people of all faiths reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, his strong voice for immigrants and marginalised communities remains one of his most enduring contributions. His death marks the end of a papacy deeply shaped by concern for the vulnerable — especially those forced to leave their homes or live with the scars of historic injustice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pope Francis believe about immigration?
Pope Francis believed immigration was a humanitarian issue, not just a political one. He often urged governments to treat migrants with dignity and provide support, especially to those fleeing violence or poverty.
How did Pope Francis criticise the Trump administration?
In a February 2025 letter, he criticised U.S. deportation policies under Trump’s second term, calling them harmful to families and a violation of basic human dignity.
Why did Pope Francis compare migrants to the Holy Family?
He likened the struggles of migrants to the Biblical story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt, highlighting that even the Son of God lived the reality of being an immigrant.
Did Pope Francis take direct action to help migrants?
Yes. In 2019, he donated $500,000 to support food and shelter for migrants at the U.S. border, demonstrating his commitment beyond just words.
Did Pope Francis address Indigenous issues in Canada?
Yes. In 2022, he travelled to Canada and issued a formal apology to Indigenous peoples for the Church’s role in residential schools. He called the abuse “a catastrophic error.”
