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Perspectief 12 Werk van jonge theologen seekers that takes place in some countries, and called for just policies regarding the distribution of refugees. 2. Pope Francis At the present day, Catholics cannot deny the influence of Pope Francis on the debate surrounding the fate of refugees. It is therefore imperative that we dedicate sufficient space to the study of his words and actions over the past three years, a timeframe which has coincided with the escalation of the global refugee crisis. Since the commencement of his pontificate in March 2013 Francis has demonstrated special attention for refugees, as “Jesus Christ is always waiting to be recognised in migrants and refugees, in displaced person and in exiles” 32 . Because of the Holy Family’s own flight to Egypt, the Church attempts to “recognise [Jesus’] suffering countenance” 33 in that of refugees, thereby treating them as “Jesus in disguise” 34 . As such, refugees offer the Church an opportunity “to enlarge her heart” and to take on her motherly role towards all humans. Francis said that it is also through these displaced people that Jesus makes an appeal to the wealthy nations who receive them: to let the less fortunate have a share in their affluence. 35 In his words: “[w]hat we ourselves have received, we have received for them as well” 36 . Yet God’s incarnation in Jesus does not merely serve to trigger a charitable response from the wealthy. Jesus, because of his simultaneous humanity and divinity, can function as an inspiration and as a consoler for refugees themselves. In his 2015 message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Francis encouraged refugees to contemplate the Holy 32 Pope Francis (2014) ‘Occasione Diei Mundialis Migrantis et Itinerantis. «Ecclesia sine confinis: Mater omnium gentium».’ AAS 106-10: 790-793. 33 ibid. 34 Desmond, E.W. (1989) Interview with Mother Teresa: a pencil in the hand of God accessed June 1, 2016 a t http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,959149,00.html. 35 Pope Francis (2014) ‘Occasione Diei Mundialis Migrantis et Itinerantis’. 36 Pope Francis (2014) ‘Occasione temporis Quadragesimae anno 2015: Confirmate corda vestra (Iacob 5, 8)’ AAS 107-2: 194-198.