Buenos Aires: In a heartfelt tribute to Argentina’s most revered religious figure, the provincial government of Buenos Aires has launched a new initiative to distribute books centered on the life, values, and teachings of Pope Francis to schools across the province. The project aims to keep alive the legacy of the late pontiff born Jorge Mario Bergoglio and introduce his philosophy of compassion, inclusion, and social justice to younger generations.
The book, titled “The Teacher: The Humanism of Pope Francis,” has been developed and published by the General Directorate of Culture and Education of Buenos Aires province. It will be circulated in both public and private schools, with the intent of making Pope Francis’ worldview an integral part of educational life in the region.
The official launch of the initiative took place at a public ceremony attended by Governor Axel Kicillof and Archbishop Monsignor Gustavo Carrara. Speaking at the event, Governor Kicillof said, “With this initiative, we hope that the ideas and values of Pope Francis will resonate in every classroom, shaping a generation that grows up valuing solidarity, humility, and fraternity.”
Alberto Sileoni, Director General for Culture and Education, described the Pope as not just a religious leader, but as a teacher who dedicated his life to fostering inclusion and human connection. “He lived his teachings through his words, yes, but also through his actions. And that is what makes him not just a pope for Catholics, but a teacher for humanity,” Sileoni said.
Pope Francis served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 until his elevation to the papacy in 2013. His tenure was marked by a deep commitment to the poor, interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of a “culture of encounter.” Since his passing, the capital city and surrounding provinces have launched several cultural and civic projects to preserve his memory.
This new educational program is one of the most far-reaching of those efforts, reflecting not just a memorial gesture but an investment in values-based education. The book includes biographical reflections, key papal messages, and simplified discussions on his core themes mercy, environmental care, economic justice, and empathy.
As classrooms across Buenos Aires prepare to receive these books, the move is being hailed as a rare example of cross-institutional collaboration between the Church and the state in service of moral education. For many Argentinians, especially those in the capital, Pope Francis remains not just a religious icon but a moral compass whose teachings continue to inspire hope in an often divided world.