The Vatican is set to host a groundbreaking meeting on February 3, bringing together advocates for children’s rights, including esteemed panelists such as the Queen of Jordan and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.
In a world where 64 million elementary school-aged children are unable to attend classes, and 1 in 3 children under the age of five face extreme food poverty, the need to address these issues is urgent. Additionally, the alarming statistic that 12 million girls were forced into child marriages in 2022 alone highlights the severity of the situation.
Pope Francis has taken a stand by dedicating a day to helping and protecting millions of children who are still without rights, living in precarious conditions, exploited, abused, and suffering the consequences of wars.
Bringing Hope to Suffering Children
The World Meeting on Children’s Rights, set to take place in the Vatican, has been described as an event of hope by Marco Impagliazzo, President of the Community of Sant’Egidio. The aim of the meeting is to address the dire situations many children face due to war, violence, sexual and labor exploitation, and to “bring a smile” to these suffering children.
Dedication to Children
The theme of the World Meeting on Children’s Rights is “Love them and protect them,” emphasizing the importance of caring for and safeguarding children. Pope Francis will open the event by welcoming 10 children from different countries who will share a message with him.
The meeting will feature seven panels focusing on various topics related to children’s rights, such as access to education, rights to a family, protection from violence, and access to resources. Distinguished advocates from around the world, including Queen Rania al-Abdullah of Jordan, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, Kailash Satyarthi, and Al Gore, will gather in Rome for this significant event.
A Response to Crisis
The World Meeting on Children’s Rights is a crucial response to the increasing challenges faced by millions of children worldwide. A study from the United Nations Children’s Fund highlights the impact of climate change, inequality, and conflict on children’s lives, limiting their futures.
In his prayer intentions for January, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of education, stating that all children have the right to education. However, approximately 250 million children lack access to school due to war, migration, and poverty, leading to what he calls an “educational catastrophe.”
