In his first major teaching document In Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”), Pope Leo reminds us that faith and love for the poor cannot be separated. God’s compassion is especially directed toward those who suffer or are denied dignity. Among them, he highlights migrants describing them as “a living presence of the Lord.”
Pope Leo calls the Church to accompany, welcome, and defend those forced to leave their homes. He urges every Christian, within their means, to take concrete steps of solidarity: to welcome migrants, support education and healthcare, oppose injustice, and stand beside those most in need. He reminds us that “In every rejected or displaced person, Christ is knocking at the door of our community.”
Behind the Headlines
Public debate often paints refugees and asylum seekers in negative terms — accused of “flooding” the country or seeking benefits. Yet the evidence tells another story. Most refugees want to work, contribute, and rebuild their lives. Studies show that if refugees were to be supported into employment and English-language learning quickly, the UK economy could gain more than £1.2 billion within five years. After being granted asylum refugees work hard, start businesses, pay taxes, and enrich local communities.
Hardship, Not Ease
Life for asylum seekers is far from easy. They receive about £7 a day for food, clothing, and transport — less if meals are provided. Many live in cramped or unsuitable accommodation, sometimes in hotels without cooking facilities. Families are frequently relocated with little notice, uprooting children from schools and breaking community ties.
Even after being granted refugee status, people face new challenges. They must leave government accommodation within 28 days, often before they can secure housing. Many become homeless or rely on charities for shelter and support.
Unable to work while their asylum claims are processed, many face poverty, isolation, and despair. The uncertainty of waiting months or years for a decision takes a heavy toll on mental health. Discrimination and negative media rhetoric deepen feelings of fear and rejection.
A Call for Change
If the UK is to build a fair and compassionate asylum system, reform is essential. Three practical steps stand out:
Speed up decisions — A triage system could resolve clear cases quickly while ensuring fairness and legal advice for all applicants.
Create safe and legal routes — This would reduce dangerous Channel crossings and protect lives while disrupting smuggling networks.
Allow asylum seekers to work — Granting the right to work while claims are processed would restore dignity, reduce costs to taxpayers, and boost the economy.
Seeing Christ in Our Midst
As Pope Leo teaches, migrants are not a problem to be managed but a presence to be welcomed. They remind us that love of God is shown through love of neighbour — especially the stranger seeking safety. By recognising Christ in the migrant, we not only live out our faith, but also build a more compassionate and just society. Christine Parrott
