By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Jan 4, 2025 / 08:58 am
When Pope Francis addressed a gathering of Catholic educators at the Vatican on Saturday, he delivered a powerful message against bullying in schools, highlighting the detrimental impact it has on fostering peace.
Speaking to approximately 2,000 Italian teachers, educators, and parents, the pontiff made a strong stand against bullying, urging participants to pledge “No bullying!” during the audience.
“If at school you wage war among yourselves, if you bully girls and boys who have problems, you are preparing for war, not peace,” Francis emphasized to the audience at the Paul VI Audience Hall.
The gathering on Jan. 4 commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Italian Association of Catholic Teachers and the 50th anniversary of the Association of Catholic School Parents. Francis took the opportunity to outline “God’s pedagogy” of closeness, compassion, and tenderness.
Warning against a “remote pedagogy, distant from people,” the Holy Father stressed the importance of proximity and engagement in effective education. He shared an anecdote about a family he had heard of, where members were engrossed in their mobile phones at a restaurant instead of engaging in conversation.
“Please, in families, let’s talk!” the pope urged, emphasizing the significance of dialogue in family dynamics.
The papal address coincided with the commencement of the Jubilee journey, which Francis noted holds significant relevance for the world of education.
