vaticannews.va
2025-02-03
"Nothing is worth more than the life of a child." Addressing world leaders convened in the Vatican for the first global Summit on Children's Rights on Monday, Pope Francis reiterated his impassioned plea for the protection of children who are victims of conflict, poverty, migration and of a "throwaway culture", including abortion and neglect, insisting on the urgent need to listen to them.
"Love Them and Protect Them" is the theme of the event at which panelists hailing from across the world are discussing children's protection from violence and exploitation, access to resources, access to education and health, and rights to a family.
Children victims of wars
In his address, Pope Francis highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by children worldwide, emphasizing that despite global progress, many children still suffer from poverty, war, lack of education, injustice, and exploitation.
The Pope drew attention to the particularly dire conditions of children in war-torn and impoverished regions but also stressed that even in wealthier societies, children face vulnerabilities such as mental health struggles, violence, and social marginalization.
Pope Francis announces he will write Apostolic Exhortation dedicated to children by Kielce Gussie
Cardinal Parolin: 'Listen to children's call for justice' by Salvatore Cernuzio