Pope Leo Praises Women's Role at Paris Migrant Support Centre

Pope Leo used a visit to a Paris centre for migrants and refugees on Saturday to draw attention to the part women play in holding communities together, cautioning against a culture that leaves people cut off from one another.

The pontiff travelled to Maison Bakhita, a support and social integration centre in the French capital that takes its name from Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese-born woman who was enslaved before becoming a Catholic nun.

Addressing those gathered, Leo thanked people who had shared their personal stories with him. He said the centre's name should prompt reflection on what he described as the fundamental role of women in building what he called a civilisation of love. That work, he added, stands as an alternative to a culture that breaks communities apart and leaves cities sick with loneliness.

The centre was established five years ago, following an appeal by Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, for migrants to be welcomed, protected, promoted and integrated. It now receives roughly 150 people each day, offering services that include French language lessons and assistance with administrative procedures. Around 130 volunteers help keep its operations running.