Pope Francis expresses unity with a Filipino migrant, asserting, "We are all one and the same people."

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has been a vocal advocate for migrants and refugees throughout his 12-year papacy. His compassionate actions and advocacy have had a significant positive impact on the lives of many who have been displaced.

In 2013, just after being elected pope, Francis made his first trip outside Rome to the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean. This visit was a clear indication of his commitment to the cause.

Grace Enjei, a migrant from Cameroon, expressed her gratitude towards Pope Francis for his assistance and advocacy. She was among the 50 asylum seekers helped by the pope in 2021, when he ensured their safe passage. Enjei, who had escaped fighting in her native Cameroon and was stranded in a legal limbo, felt a change from hurt and pain to happiness and hope after interacting with the pope.

Pope Francis' advocacy extends beyond individual cases. He has publicly criticised policies that discriminate against migrants, such as Donald Trump's plans to build a wall between the US and Mexico in 2016. He has also disagreed with migrant deportations, as evident in a letter to American bishops during Trump's second term.

The pope has personally intervened to assist asylum seekers on multiple occasions. In 2016, he visited the Greek island of Lesbos and brought a dozen Syrian refugees back to Italy with him on his plane. He has also supported Catholic charitable organizations like Caritas, known for their humanitarian aid efforts, in accommodating asylum seekers who were stuck in a so-called "buffer zone" on the island of Cyprus.

Pope Francis' actions are not just limited to words. He has shown empathy in his interactions with migrants. In May 2018, he touched and kissed Diane Karla Abano's two young daughters during an audience in St. Peter's Square. Abano, a Filipino migrant living in Rome, felt a transformation from hurt and pain to happiness and hope after interacting with the pope.

However, Francis' call for helping migrants and refugees has faced resistance from some political leaders and religious communities. Despite this, his unwavering commitment to the cause remains steadfast. In 2015, he addressed the US Congress, recalling his own migrant background and advocating for better opportunities for migrants.

Pope Francis has helped many people, according to Grace Enjei, a migrant who was assisted by him. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in times of crisis.