Speaking at the first International Summit on Children’s Rights, Pope Francis made a heartfelt plea to world leaders to prioritize the protection of children suffering from war, poverty, migration, and neglect. He condemned the “murderous” practice of abortion, a result of what he termed a prevailing “throwaway culture,” and insisted that nothing is more valuable than the life of a child.

The historic gathering, titled “Love Them and Protect Them,” brought together panelists from around the world to discuss pressing issues such as violence, exploitation, education, healthcare, and family rights for children.

Pope Francis highlighted the harsh realities faced by children globally, despite advancements in human rights. He pointed out that millions of children continue to endure poverty, violence, injustice, and a lack of access to education and healthcare.

He particularly underscored the plight of children in war-torn and impoverished regions, where young lives are shattered by conflict and instability. However, he also acknowledged that even in wealthier societies, children struggle with mental health issues, social marginalization, and various forms of violence.

“To a much greater extent than in the past, schools and health services have to deal with children already tested by many difficulties, with anxious or depressed youngsters, and adolescents drawn to forms of aggression or self-harm,” Pope said. He warned against a society that views childhood, like old age, as a “periphery” of existence, rather than a time of growth and hope.

Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow over the devastating impact of war on children. He condemned the horrifying reality of children being killed in bombings and sacrificed to the interests of power, ideology, and nationalism.

“What we have tragically seen almost every day in recent times, namely children dying beneath bombs, sacrificed to the idols of power, ideology, and nationalistic interests, is unacceptable,” he lamented.

Pope emphasized that listening to the voices of children suffering today strengthens humanity’s collective rejection of war and violence.

Pope Francis also denounced the "pathological individualism" evident in wealthier societies, where children are often neglected, abused, or even subjected to infanticide by those meant to care for them. He decried the ongoing loss of young migrant lives, as children perish at sea, in deserts, or during perilous journeys in search of safety.

“A childhood denied is a silent scream condemning the wrongness of the economic system, the criminal nature of wars, the lack of adequate medical care and schooling,” he warned, urging the world to resist becoming desensitized to these tragedies.

Pope Francis called attention to the shocking statistics of displaced children and victims of child slavery, forced labor, and trafficking. Over **40 million children** have been displaced due to conflicts, and **100 million** are homeless. Additionally, **160 million children** remain trapped in forced labor and exploitation.

He also highlighted the plight of 150 million “invisible” children who lack legal identity due to not being registered at birth. These children are particularly vulnerable to abuse, trafficking, and forced labor.

In one of the most forceful parts of his speech, Pope Francis condemned the modern “throwaway culture,” where human lives, including the unborn, are discarded without regard.

“In the name of this throwaway mentality, in which the human being becomes all-powerful, unborn life is sacrificed through the murderous practice of abortion,” Pope declared. He warned that abortion not only ends individual lives but also “cuts off the source of hope for the whole of society.”

Pope Francis urged world leaders to truly listen to children—not only through their words but also through their silences, expressions, and experiences.

“With their looks and their silences, too, they speak to us, so let us listen to them!” he emphasized.

He expressed hope that the International Summit on Children’s Rights  would lead to meaningful change and renewed commitment to building a better world for children. He reminded participants that caring for children’s rights and dreams is not only a moral obligation but also a key to ensuring a brighter future for all of humanity.

“For me, it is a source of hope that we are all here together to put children, their rights, their dreams, and their demand for a future at the centre of our concern,” Pope concluded.

As world leaders and advocates reflect on the Pope’s powerful words, the Summit serves as a reminder that protecting children is not just an ethical responsibility but a fundamental necessity for shaping a just and compassionate world.