How Pope Leo reacted to migrant Filipino woman’s story in Lebanon

December 3, 2025 – 7:00 AM

How logistics industry experts plan to ‘move forward’ after COVID-19

Reasons why Filipinos love Korean culture and products

Why Batangas is the destination for budget-friendly family holidays

Pope Leo XIV on Monday said migrants’ experiences must push Christians to oppose war and build communities where no one seeking safety feels unwelcome, after hearing a Filipino woman’s testimony.

The couple escaped and walked three days with their newborn and young son to reach the church. “In their courage, I saw God’s light,” she said.

Pope Leo said their suffering “touches us profoundly” and shows how war destroys innocent lives, adding that such stories call believers to act with compassion and courage.

“Their experiences invite us to take a stand to ensure that no one else will have to flee from his or her country due to senseless and cruel conflicts,” he said during a meeting with bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and pastoral workers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa.

Capobres told the pope that migrants “are not just workers,” but contributors who care for families, support parishes, and “carry hope” despite hardship.

She thanked God for allowing her to serve “the lost and the broken,” saying that small acts of love from the Church continue to change migrants’ lives.