Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has renewed the Church’s strong call to place children at the centre of global concern, warning that the situation of millions of children around the world remains deeply worrying despite international promises to protect them.
Addressing the Organizing Committee of the initiative From Crisis to Care Catholic Action for Children at the Vatican, Pope said many children continue to be denied basic care, safety and opportunities to grow. He noted that over the past year there has been little improvement in protecting children from danger and neglect.
The initiative was launched in response to the urgent appeal made by Pope Francis during last year’s International Summit on Children’s Rights. It is supported by several Holy See institutions, religious congregations, lay experts and the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Its aim is to develop a public action plan that will help Church leaders and partners ensure every child grows up in a safe and nurturing family environment.
Speaking during the audience, Pope described the reality facing many children today as tragic. He said countless children and young people are deprived of basic necessities such as food, healthcare, education and family care, and are given few chances to reach their full potential.
He also questioned whether global priorities have shifted away from the most vulnerable. Pope pointed to the growing number of children living in extreme poverty, suffering abuse, being forcibly displaced, or separated from their families. He expressed concern that commitments linked to sustainable development appear to be losing urgency.
Recalling the teaching of Pope Francis, Pope stressed the importance of the family in a child’s life. He underlined that every child has the right to receive love from a mother and a father, saying this is essential for a child’s balanced and healthy development.
Turning to the work of the committee, Pope Leo XIV encouraged its members to remain steadfast, even when faced with setbacks or indifference. He reminded them that they speak on behalf of children who have no voice and urged them to draw strength from the good they are doing.
Pope also highlighted the need for an integral approach to child protection. He warned that focusing on only one aspect of care can cause other essential needs to be overlooked. He called for closer cooperation among Church bodies and Catholic organisations so that children receive balanced care that supports their physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing.
He praised the support of Church institutions such as the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and urged the development of concrete and practical action plans. Above all, he repeated Pope Francis’ call to listen to children and take their voices seriously when shaping policies and responses.
Concluding his address, Pope entrusted all those involved to the Lord’s blessing and offered a special prayer for children who suffer and lack the basic necessities of life.