Rome: Pope Leo XIV called on Catholic educational institutions in Africa to respond to the often-unheard struggles of their students, emphasizing that schools should become places of hope, guidance, and holistic formation.
The Pope met on Friday with representatives of the International Foundation Religions and Societies, an organization dedicated to promoting quality Catholic education across Africa and fostering collaboration between the Global South and North. He noted that their visit to Rome coincided closely with the Jubilee of the World of Education, held from 27 October to 1 November, and comes just ahead of their second Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, themed: “Catholic Education and the Promotion of Signs of Hope in the African Context.”
Pope Leo commended the group’s commitment to nurturing young Africans through education that embraces their cultural identity while instilling academic and spiritual excellence. Reflecting on his remarks at the Jubilee of Education, he expressed concern over the “generalized inner fragility developing at all ages,” stressing that educators cannot ignore these silent cries for help.
He encouraged the participants to advance their mission by strengthening North-South collaboration in education and missionary work. Quoting Jesus’ sending of disciples “two by two,” the Pope highlighted the importance of teamwork in proclaiming the Gospel. “Mission requires synergy, not isolation, and demands a pastoral solidarity that goes beyond material support to include the exchange of pastoral workers between Churches,” he said.
Recalling a meeting in May at the Abbey of Maredsous in Belgium, organized by the International Foundation Religions and Societies, Pope Leo expressed support for their initiative to establish an International Center for Missiology and North-South Pastoral Studies. “I hope this institution comes to fruition and fulfills the goals outlined in your resolutions,” he said, underscoring the need to rekindle missionary zeal—proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus with courage and love.
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV invited African educators to remind their communities of the beauty and transformative power of evangelization. He prayed that the Lord guide them to become “missionary disciples and pastors according to His will,” serving as living signs of hope for young people and society at large.