Pope Francis used his New Year's Day message to speak out for migrants by defending their rights. Speaking from a balcony at St. Peter's Basilica, the Pontiff returned to a familiar theme today. He welcomed refugees and migrants at a time of growing hostility toward their plight in the U.S. and Europe. The Pope told a gathering of some 40-thousand that for migrants, "I would like once again to raise my voice for these brothers and sisters, who seek a horizon of peace for their future." The Pope's message to migrants falls on the Roman Catholic World Day of Peace.
The church celebrates this day every January 1st.
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