Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on writers and cultural institutions to promote literature that strengthens peace, fraternity and respect for human dignity, especially at a time when the world continues to face war, division and indifference.
In a message sent to the International Book Fair in Turin, northern Italy, the Pope said literature should help people recognise the dignity of every person, particularly the poor and vulnerable. He stressed that books and culture have an important role in building dialogue and understanding among people.
“There is a need for literature that helps recognize the dignity of every person, especially the most vulnerable, and that increasingly becomes a school of fraternity and peace,” the Pope said in the telegram message.
The message was sent on the Pope’s behalf by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, to Cardinal Roberto Repole, Archbishop of Turin. It was addressed to all participants attending the international fair, which is taking place from May 14 to 18. The message was read during the opening ceremony by the event’s director.
Pope Leo reflected on this year’s theme of the Turin Book Fair, inspired by the work “The World Saved by Kids” by Italian writer Elsa Morante. He described the title as both meaningful and timely in today’s world.
The Pope said that amid the suffering caused by wars and the growing indifference seen in many societies, children continue to offer hope through their innocence and fresh way of seeing the world.
“In a time that seems suffocated by the horrors of war, and by the chill of indifference, children, with their innate ability to see the world with fresh eyes, ignite a light of hope in society,” the Pope said.
He also expressed hope that the international fair would encourage a deeper understanding of the importance of culture in promoting peace, dialogue and unity among people from different backgrounds.
The Pope’s latest remarks continue the message he delivered earlier this month to representatives of the Vatican Publishing House during celebrations marking its 100th anniversary. On that occasion, Pope Leo underlined the value of reading and education in shaping thoughtful and responsible people.
He said reading helps develop the mind, encourages critical thinking and protects people from extreme ideologies and narrow minded attitudes. According to the Pope, books can serve as an antidote to rigid thinking and simplified views of reality.
“Reading nourishes the mind, helps cultivate a conscious and well formed critical sense, and guards against fundamentalisms and ideological shortcuts,” he had said earlier.
The Pope also encouraged people of all ages to make reading a regular habit, saying literature and culture remain essential tools for understanding others and building a more peaceful society.
The Turin International Book Fair is one of Europe’s major literary and cultural events, attracting publishers, authors, academics and readers from across the world. This year’s gathering has focused strongly on themes of hope, children, peace and the social responsibility of culture.