Welcoming the Stranger: A Mission of Hope and Fraternity 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,  

Pope Francis frequently expresses his deep concern for the trials endured by many migrants and refugees. His words resonate with us—they speak directly to our local Church, here in Montreal.  

Our city is shaped by an exceptional cultural and human diversity, a reflection of the migration that shapes our society and our parish communities. Every day, families knock on our doors, having left behind everything—their homeland, their roots, and sometimes even their loved ones—hoping for a better future. They are not strangers: they are our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, our companions in faith.  

The Holy Father reminds us in a powerful way:  

“The family of Nazareth in exile, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, emigrants in Egypt and refugees there to escape the wrath of an ungodly king, are the model, the example and the consolation of emigrants and pilgrims of every age and country, of all refugees of every condition who, beset by persecution or necessity, are forced to leave their homeland, beloved family and dear friends for foreign lands.”

- Pius XII, cited in the Letter to the Bishops of the United States of America, February 10, 2025  

These words speak directly to our local Church. Are we ready to be a truly welcoming community? Can we recognize in every displaced person not only their suffering but also a wealth of experience, a testimony of faith and hope?  

Pope Francis urges us not to yield to the rhetoric of fear and exclusion. He calls us to “build bridges rather than walls,” to cultivate encounters rather than indifference.  

In our archdiocese, this call is more relevant than ever. The welcoming of migrants and refugees cannot be just another initiative—it is an essential part of our Gospel mission.  

Our commitment must be expressed in concrete actions. Thanks to the efforts of many parishes, missions, and faith communities, we have already seen inspiring initiatives—support programs, assistance for families, and help with integration. But we can do more. As the Holy Father emphasized in announcing the upcoming World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2025, we are invited to recognize migrants not only as people in search of refuge, but also as “missionaries of hope.”  

“Their courage and resilience bear witness to their trust in God and to His presence along the paths of exile.”
(Holy See Bulletin, March 3, 2025)  

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all those who, within our diocese, work tirelessly to be agents of welcome and fraternity. Thank you to our parishes, organizations, and Christian families who listen, support, embrace and help integrate these newcomers with dignity and respect. Through you, it is Christ’s Church that opens its arms wide.  

May this mission continue to shape us. Together, here in Montreal, may we build a Church where no one is a stranger, but where each person feels at home in the Father’s house.  

With all my pastoral affection,  

✠ Christian Lépine 
Archbishop of Montreal  

PDF version of the Archbishop of Montreal's pastoral letter

Read the full Vatican document here