On the occasion of the 104th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica with thousands of brothers and sisters who have been forced to leave their homeland.

During the homily, the Holy Father stressed the importance of welcoming migrants saying:

“Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ”

Also during the Angelus, Pope Francis reiterated his closeness to migrants and refugees entrusting them to the protection of the Virgin Mary.

Read full text of homily.