Vatican City: Pope Francis has called for a renewed “educational pact” to unite families, schools, and society in addressing the challenges of the modern age. This appeal came during his meeting on Thursday with representatives of La Scuola Editrice, one of Italy’s foremost Catholic publishers in the education sector.

Founded in 1904 in Brescia, northern Italy, by a coalition of laypeople and clergy dedicated to fostering Catholic-inspired education, La Scuola has expanded its reach by acquiring other prominent Catholic publishing houses, including SEI and Capitello. Over its 120-year history, the publishing group has been a steadfast presence in the Italian educational landscape.

In his remarks, Pope Francis lauded the group’s pedagogical contributions and commitment to their mission, noting that their achievements align with the vision of Pope Saint Paul VI, who in 1965 recognized the importance of La Scuola Editrice, a company to whose creation his father had contributed.

The Pope praised the organization’s resilience amid cultural shifts and stiff competition from larger publishing firms. “You have not shied away from challenges, even in times of profound cultural transformation and growing indifference to religious values,” he said.

Reflecting on the role of education, Pope Francis highlighted its deeper purpose: not merely imparting knowledge but nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and moral development of individuals. He emphasized the importance of teaching young people to “think well, feel well—the language of the heart—and act well—the language of the hands.”

The Pope also linked this vision to the broader Catholic ethos, citing his encyclical Fratelli Tutti. He encouraged an open, dialogical approach that recognizes and embraces the good found in every context, as taught by the Second Vatican Council. “Being Catholic,” he said, “means embracing a global perspective that fosters fraternity and unity.”

He further underscored the vital role of schools as places where students learn to engage with the world, and where bonds of fraternity are nurtured through effective teaching materials, skilled educators, and innovative tools tailored to students’ needs. “A fraternal humanity is cultivated at school desks,” he remarked.

Amid the challenges of the present age, the Pope urged La Scuola Editrice to persist in its mission of promoting hope and unity through education, a vision deeply rooted in the legacy of its founders. Far from seeing societal changes as reasons for fear, Pope Francis called them opportunities to inspire a new thirst for wisdom and knowledge among younger generations.