Australians urged to offer hope to refugees

In the lead-up to the 111^th Catholic World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 4-5 October, the St Vincent de Paul Society joins Church communities and advocates to celebrate the enduring contribution of migrants and refugees to Australia’s economic and social well-being.

With this year’s theme, 'Migrants, Missionaries of Hope', Pope Leo XIV reminds all Australians, especially during the Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope, that those who leave their homelands aspire to brighter futures and enrich our nation in many ways.

'Since First Nations peoples have lived on this continent upwards of 60,000 years, Australia has always been a land of migration,’ said the Society’s National President, Mark Gaetani. ‘I feel blessed to have been born in a free, affluent country like Australia, and know many migrants and refugees did not share this good fortune. They have put their hopes in this country where they seek protection and want to build a brighter future for themselves and their families, and we have a duty to help them.’

‘As Pope Leo XIV said, “in a world darkened by war and injustice … migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope”. Through their journeys, they remind Australia of its best traditions and call on us to ensure dignity, justice and welcome for all who come here in search of protection and a better life.’

Mr Gaetani pointed out that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Australia’s commitment to resettle Indochinese refugees following the Vietnam War.

‘Over two decades from 1975, our country settled more than 150,000 people, who came in fear but with a hope that was realised in a welcoming resettlement,’ he said. This success was underpinned by close collaboration among government and community organisations.

‘Today, we wonder whether Australia could adopt this approach to the ongoing world refugee crisis, rather than the current unjust actions that characterise many Federal Government policies towards people seeking asylum in our country.

Mr Gaetani said the Society has stood alongside newcomers for decades, offering practical support and advocating for humane and just policies. The Society’s article in the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) online resources prepared for this Day, suggests such improvements to Australia’s current policies.

‘We are proud to continue walking side-by-side with those seeking safety by responding to their current challenges with emergency relief, settlement assistance and advocacy.

‘As we mark World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Society urges all Australians, faith communities and decision-makers to stand with migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum, not only as recipients of our charity, but as messengers of hope who enrich Australia in enduring ways,’ he said. ‘We echo Pope Leo’s message so that our Australian community might   recognise the dignity of all newcomers as children of God, and that we may also become a living witness to hope.’

For information on parish and school participation in this Day, see acmro.catholic.org.au/wdmr/2025 and for more information on the Society’s actions and policies in support of refugees and people seeking asylum, see vinnies.org.au/national-council/advocacy/refugees-and-people-seeking-asylum