Vatican City, Oct 1, 2015 / 04:43 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Pope Francis recognized the challenges involved with welcoming migrants, but stressed that despite the difficulties they should always be accepted as brothers and sisters.

“At the heart of the Gospel of mercy the encounter and acceptance by others are intertwined with the encounter and acceptance of God himself,” the Pope said in his message for the 2016 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.