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We must not forget that when we talk about migration, we talk about persons, not dangerous statistics. [...] Migrants are not a threat; they are brothers and sisters in search of peace.

Pope Francis

Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, **2020** · Gecheckt op 2 maart 2026
We must not forget that when we talk about migration, we talk about persons, not dangerous statistics. [...] Migrants are not a threat; they are brothers and sisters in search of peace.

Analyse

The Vatican’s official text of Pope Francis’s 2020 message states: “We must not forget that when we talk about migration we talk about persons, not dangerous statistics… Migrants are not a threat; they are brothers and sisters in search of peace.” The wording matches the statement provided. No evidence contradicts this wording, and multiple reputable news outlets reproduced the same excerpt.

Achtergrond

World Day of Migrants and Refugees is observed annually on 18 December. Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the dignity of migrants in his teachings. The 2020 message was released on the Vatican website and widely quoted in global media.

Samenvatting verdict

The Pope’s 2020 World Day of Migrants and Refugees message contains the quoted passage about migrants being people, not dangerous statistics, and that they are brothers and sisters seeking peace.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— Vatican News – “Message of Pope Francis for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2020” (18 December 2020)
— Catholic News Agency – “Pope Francis: Migrants are brothers and sisters, not a threat” (18 Dec 2020)
— Reuters – “Pope Francis calls migrants ‘brothers and sisters’ in World Day of Migrants and Refugees message” (18 Dec 2020)