He Papa Francisco has warned about a “global educational catastrophe” In a video released by the Pope’s World Prayer Network on the occasion of his intention for January prayer.
According to the Supreme Pontiff, about 250 million boys and girls lack access to education due to factors such as wars, migrations and poverty.
In the message, Francis stressed that children and young people affected by migration face serious obstacles to continuing their education, either due to the lack of adequate schools in conflict zones or in refugee camps, or due to legal restrictions that prevent them from accessing to the educational system in host countries.
“All children and young people have the right to go to school, regardless of their immigration status.”said the Pope. He also reiterated that education is key to preventing discrimination, crime and exploitation, and to integrating migrants into society.
The Pope’s message reflects his commitment to education as a fundamental tool to overcome social barriers and guarantee a better future for the most vulnerable generations.
The video also highlights the role of the Catholic Church in promoting education in difficult contexts. Among the efforts mentioned are the educational centers of the AVSI Foundation in Jordan and Lebanon for Syrian refugee children; the Salesian schools in Palabek, Uganda, which serve migrant minors from South Sudan; and the Madre Asunta Institute in Tijuana, Mexico, which receives children from different Latin American countries.
Likewise, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) operates in refugee camps in eastern Chad and other regions, while volunteers from the Pope John XXIII Association They support migrant minors in Greece and Italy.
At a global level, organizations such as UNICEF They also help ensure access to education for displaced children, such as those affected by the war in Ukraine, who have been able to attend language courses thanks to these efforts.
On the other hand, Francisco received this Friday the members of the Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired in the Clementina Room, inviting them to maintain their spirit of hope and move forward as “pilgrims of hope.”
In the context of Jubilee 2025the Pope also met with the Archconfraternity of Saints John the Baptist and Evangelist of the Knights of Malta of Catanzarourging them to cultivate prayer, serve those most in need and walk in a spirit of reconciliation and hope.
(With information from AFP)
