This report centers on Pope Francis and his call for urgent European action on migration and asylum. He urged Europe to ratify the New Migration and Asylum Treaty and to implement policies that not only welcome migrants but also support their integration. The Pope emphasized that strengthening the regulatory framework through ratification is essential to ensure policy measures can be put in place to assist, accompany, and integrate migrants across the continent, as he spoke during an audience with diplomatic representatives accredited to the Holy See.
In his traditional year-start address, the Pope outlined a broad assessment of the international landscape. He highlighted ongoing wars and regional conflicts, and he noted that migration remains a global concern that affects many nations. The message stressed that people fleeing persecution and violence deserve safety and protection, while recognizing the right of individuals to move, reside, and even return to their country of origin when possible.
international emergency
He underscored that irregular migration is unacceptable and urged a clear understanding of the crisis, pointing to the Mediterranean as a stark symbol of peril. The image of lives lost at sea serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of civilization and the urgency of humane policy responses. The Pope called for swift ratification of a new European immigration framework to address these urgent needs, noting the readiness of European leaders to act and the importance of solidarity in relief and care operations for survivors. He warned against allowing population demands at major destinations to overshadow the basic responsibilities that accompany humanitarian action.
The Pontiff reiterated that paths to peace run through solidarity, stressing that no single person can be saved in isolation. He argued that a highly interconnected world means the actions of one country resonate globally, urging collective responsibility and cooperation rather than fragmented approaches.
Iran and Ukraine worries Pope
On Iran, the Pope expressed concern about the stalled talks that relate to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Program Agreement. He expressed hope for a concrete, timely solution that would secure a safer future for all. He also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging an immediate halt to the fighting. The Pope noted that the conflict reverberates beyond Europe, affecting energy and food security in Africa and the Middle East, and called for renewed efforts to protect civilian populations and stabilize international markets.
Regarding the broader international system, the Pope stressed that the current crisis underscores the need to rethink how multilateral institutions function. He called for reforms that better reflect the needs and sensitivities of all people, arguing that success lies not in forming bloc alliances but in enabling genuine dialogue and inclusive decision-making that benefits everyone.