Catholics in Japan urged to turn migrant concern into concrete action

Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo urged Japanese Catholics to move beyond expressing concern for refugees and migrants and instead take concrete action to protect their rights. In a reflection released September 27 for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Kikuchi emphasized the need to protect vulnerable minors.

Kikuchi noted that Pope Leo XIV has called for the migration debate to shift from managing migration to ensuring the full and immediate protection of human rights. The reflection coincided with the Church marking the World Day of Refugees, Migrants and Displaced Persons. Kikuchi said the observance asks parishes and Catholic institutions to build faith communities that transcend nationality to live alongside people from around the world.

The Pope chose a theme from the Gospel of Matthew focusing on migrant children, noting that underage migrants are often overlooked because they lack adult protection. Kikuchi stated that protection must extend beyond countries of transit and destination to address the conditions that force people to leave their homes.