Pope Francis’ (pictured with pilgrims in Croke Park, Dublin, during the 9th World Meeting of Families in Ireland in August 2018 – CCO archive) prayer intention for January is focused on the right to education, emphasising the severe challenges faced by millions of children and young people worldwide. In a video released on 2 January, the Holy Father described the current situation as an “educational catastrophe,” highlighting that due to conflicts, migration, and poverty, an estimated 250 million children are deprived of education.
“This is no exaggeration,” Pope Francis said. “Today, so many children and youth do not have access to schooling, and this must change.” He explained that the widespread lack of educational opportunities is exacerbated by global crises, including wars and the displacement of populations. The Pope stressed that education is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all children, regardless of their immigration status.
Pope Francis spoke directly to the issue of migrant and refugee children, many of whom face additional barriers to schooling. “Education can save migrants and refugees from discrimination, criminal networks, and exploitation,” he said. “So many minors are exploited and without the safety net of education, they become vulnerable to trafficking and abuse.”
Pope Francis also highlighted that education plays a key role in fostering integration, helping displaced children and young people become active contributors to their host societies. He noted that education has the potential to offer hope, not only to individuals but to entire communities. “It can help them integrate into the communities who host them,” he said, adding that educated migrants could make a significant impact, whether in their new country or by helping rebuild their homeland if they decide to return.
The Pope also reminded the faithful of the Christian imperative to show compassion to strangers, echoing the biblical teaching, “Whoever welcomes the foreigner welcomes Jesus Christ.”
In concluding his message, Pope Francis invited Catholics around the world to join him in prayer: “Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a more human world, might always be respected.”
The prayer video is part of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, an initiative designed to raise awareness and encourage prayer for each of the pope’s monthly intentions. The network serves to engage the global Catholic community in praying for critical global issues, highlighting the importance of education in shaping a better future for all.
To watch Pope Francis’ video on the right to an education, please click HERE
Source: Vatican News
