Pope releases theme for World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Even though it's still a few months away, the Vatican has released the message Pope Francis issued for the next World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The theme is 'Migrants and Refugees Challenge us. The response of the Gospel of Mercy. ; It will be held on January 17, 2016, but the Vatican is already working on highlighting its message on an international level. ; According to the official statement, the first part of the theme follows the ongoing crisis along the Mediterranean, where thousands of people have drowned in their attempt to make it to Europe. Similar situations are seen in other parts of the world as well. Above all, the Pope calls on Christians to not be indifferent and to embrace the challenge. ; The second part, which reads, 'The Response of the Gospel of Mercy' was included because the next World Day of Migrants will take place precisely during the Year of Mercy, which starts on December 8th. The Pope is also calling on Catholic parishes to take action and combine their help toward migrants with the Year of Mercy. ; The first World Day of Migrants and Refugees was held back on February 21st, 1915. ; KLH ; RR -JM -BN ; -Up:LOA