Pope Leo XIV Meets with New UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, to Discuss the Global Refugee Crisis at the Vatican
On Monday, January 26, 2026, Pope Leo XIV met with the newly appointed UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, at the Vatican. The meeting underscored the critical alliance between the Holy See and the UN in addressing the global displacement crisis, which has reached a record 117.3 million people.
The following highlights the key information regarding the Pope’s role and the Church’s partnership with the UNHCR:
The Moral Authority of Pope Leo XIV
High Commissioner Barham Salih emphasized that the Pope’s "unrelenting support" and "moral authority" are vital assets for the UN Refugee Agency.
Early Audience: Salih sought a meeting with the Pope less than four weeks into his tenure, signaling the high priority placed on the Vatican’s influence.
Global Advocacy: The Pope has consistently urged the international community to move beyond passivity and recognize the dignity of the 42.5 million refugees currently displaced.
I was honoured to meet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and thank him for his steadfast support for refugees.
— Barham Salih (@BarhamSalih) January 26, 2026
His moral and spiritual leadership aligns deeply with our work to promote protection and dignity for people forced to flee in today’s challenging global context. pic.twitter.com/AmbQo9aofS
The Church as a "Vital Partner"
The UNHCR views the Catholic Church and other faith-based organizations not just as charities, but as strategic partners in fulfilling their mandate.
Strategic Assets: Salih described the partnership with the Church as an "important asset" that the UN relies on to deliver aid and protection worldwide.
Interfaith Philanthropy: There is a growing focus on "interfaith philanthropy," uniting various religious entities to act on shared core values of humanity and service to those in need.
Shared Objectives for Refugee Dignity
The dialogue between the Vatican and the UNHCR highlighted a shift from temporary aid to permanent dignity:
Beyond "Just Numbers": Mirroring the Pope’s past appeals, the UNHCR emphasized that refugees are "people with agency" who deserve protection and inclusion.
Durable Solutions: Both the Church and the UN are advocating for "inclusive and durable solutions" that allow refugees to integrate into host nations’ education, health, and job markets rather than being confined to camps for decades.
"The voice of the Pope and his moral authority is of consequence. We consider this an important partnership and asset that we rely on." — Barham Salih, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
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