The first martyrs of the Americas were not missionary priests but three young Indigenous boys in Mexico who sought to spread the faith they were taught and embraced 500 years ago.

Activities will run from Sept. 24 to Oct. 5 and will include liturgies, cultural events, various charitable initiatives, and the traditional procession dedicated to the saint at the Porziuncola.

Pope Leo XIV titled this year’s observance of World Day of Migrants and Refugees “Even Just One of These Children,” citing Matthew 18:5: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

On the fourth and final day of his apostolic journey to France, the pope addressed European leaders at the Robert Schuman Conference Center and celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz.

Father Adrian Mantykiewicz, who was injured in an attack that left a fellow priest dead, said “we must overcome the evil that happened here.”

In a 23-minute in-flight news conference, the pontiff also answered questions about end-of-life issues and sexual abuse.

“Catholic social teaching says that companies, that investors and management, owe care to the workers,” said Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s Commission on AI.

The meeting highlighted the need to strengthen the bond between bishops and priests as well as among priests themselves.

Families, young people, and international advocates joined Lithuania’s second March for Life, calling for practical support for mothers, fathers, and vulnerable people.

A Mass in Metz was the final event of the pontiff’s Sept. 25–28 trip to France.