The conference gathering Catholic educators in Madrid, Spain

POPE

Pope: Education is an act of hope for a better society

In a message addressed to participants in a conference in Madrid on the Church’s commitment in education in Spain, Pope Francis highlights the importance for Catholic institutions to ensure that education is accessible to all.

By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis has reminded Spanish Catholic educators that the Church is called to promote an inclusive education, where all students can unleash their potential regardless of their background, recalling that this has always been an essential part of its educational mission.

“Education is, above all, an act of hope in those before us (…), in their possibilities to change and contribute to the renewal of society”, he said in a message he addressed on Saturday to participants in a conference organized in Madrid by the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE) on the Church’s commitment in education.

The session concludes a four months’ process started in October 2023 in which bishops, experts and Catholic educators from across Spain have reflected and taken stock of the work done by the Church in Spain in the field of education.

Everyone has the right to education

In his message Pope Francis welcomed the initiative, and highlighted the importance for Catholic institutions to ensure that education is accessible to all: “Everyone has the right to education, no one should be excluded, “ he said.

“I cannot help but remember the many children and young people who do not have access to education in different parts of the world, who suffer oppression, and even war and violence.”

The Pope thus invited participants not to overlook “the new exclusions” produced by the modern “throwaway culture.”

“And never forget,” he added, “that the creation of relationships of justice among peoples, the capacity for solidarity towards the needy, and the care of the common home will pass through the hearts, minds, and hands of those who are being educated today.”

The distinctive feature of Catholic education is true humanization

Recalling that the distinctive feature of Catholic education in all areas “is true humanization” that “arises from faith and generates culture," Pope Francis went on to remark the Church’s commitment in education in Spain has contributed significantly to build the specific cultural identity of the country, also enriching the universal Church.

Catholic education must open the way to a culture of encounter

Concluding his message, Pope Francis therefore encouraged participants “to continue reflecting and walking together,” to value their identity and faith, while avoiding self-referentiality, and also to be ”artisans of peace.”

“Education is not possible without betting on freedom, opening the way to social friendship and the culture of encounter,” he said.