Pope's mission: Advocating for the poor and displaced

• Pope Francis has made supporting the poor, migrants, and refugees a focal point of his pontificate, which has become his principal message.
• The choice of the name in honour of St. Francis of Assisi signifies his dedication to living in poverty and aiding the poor.
• Papal travels, such as the visit to the island of Lampedusa, highlight his concern for the plight of migrants and refugees.

"Don't forget the poor" – these words, spoken to Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio during the conclave, became the cornerstone of his pontificate. From the very beginning, the poor, migrants, and refugees have been a priority for Pope Francis.

He strongly emphasises the importance of assisting the poor. His decision to adopt the name Francis was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, renowned for his life of poverty. The Pope has continually asserted that the Church should be "poor and for the poor." In his actions and teachings, he places the needy at the centre, which is evident in his everyday life and decisions.

One of the first destinations Pope Francis visited was the Italian island of Lampedusa. This symbolic location is where many migrants have tragically lost their lives trying to reach Europe. During this visit, the Pope conducted a mass on an altar constructed from refugee boats, drawing attention to the dire circumstances of those seeking a better life. He appealed for increased solidarity and understanding for migrants, reminding us that they are, above all, individuals with names and stories.

Pope Francis has consistently emphasised the issues surrounding migration. In his encyclical "Fratelli tutti," he highlighted that migrants are not merely numbers but individuals deserving of dignity.