In his message to participants in a conference in Madrid on the Church's approach to education in Spain, Pope Francis stressed the importance of Catholic educational institutions making education accessible to all. .
Lisa Zengarini
Pope Francis reminded Catholic educators in Spain that the Church is called to promote inclusive education, where all students, regardless of their background, can unleash their potential, and that this has always been the focus of the Church's educational mission. I remember that it was an important part of
“Education is above all an act of hope for those who came before us, offering the possibility of changing society and contributing to its regeneration,” he wrote to participants at a conference held in Madrid on Saturday. he said in the message. The Spanish Bishops' Conference (CEE) announced the Church's efforts in education.
This session concludes a four-month process started in October 2023 in which bishops, experts and Catholic educators from all over Spain reflected on and evaluated the work undertaken by the Spanish Church in the field of education.
everyone has the right to education
In his message, Pope Francis welcomed this initiative and emphasized the importance of Catholic educational institutions to make education accessible to all, stating that “Everyone has the right to education; They should not be excluded.”
The Pope thus urged participants not to overlook the “new exclusions” created by today's “throwaway culture.”
“And never forget: the building of relationships of justice between people, the capacity for solidarity towards the poor, and the care of communal housing are now passing through the hearts, minds and hands of those who are suffering. I’m going,” he added. I got an education today. ”
The hallmark of Catholic education is true humanization.
Recalling that the distinctive feature of Catholic education in all fields is its “true humanization,” which “arises from faith and produces culture,” Pope Francis went on to say that the Church's approach to education in Spain is uniquely Catholic. He said that the country has greatly contributed to the construction of its cultural identity. The nation also enriches the universal Church.
Catholic education must pave the way to a culture of encounter
Therefore, in concluding his message, Pope Francis urged participants to “reflect and continue to walk together,” to cherish their identity and faith while avoiding self-reference, and to become “artisans of peace.” encouraged.
“Education is not possible without the freedom stake, which paves the way for a culture of social friendship and encounter,” he says.
