Cardinal Parolin: ‘Listen to children’s call for justice’
The Vatican museums organized the opening evening of the International Summit on the Rights of Children, which was held at the Vatican. The Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, welcomed international leaders and other participants in the event.
By Salvatore cernuzio
From political and economic figures to cultural leaders and ordinary citizens, the voices of children crying against hunger, war, violence, inequalities and environmental devastation must not be unknown. It was the central message of the address of Cardinal Pietro Parolin to participants on Sunday, February 2, the day before the summit.
The event, entitled “Love them and protect them,” Office officially on Monday, February 3, in the Vatican, with the participation of Pope Francis.
The winners of the Nobel Prize, academics, writers, economists, religious and political figures, and the leaders of the international organization are gathered for the event promoted by the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, an established initiative By Pope Francis on November 20, 2024, coinciding with coincidence with his announcement of the summit.
“Love them and protect them”
The Cardinal Paroline described the summit as a moment of “reflection” and “mutual listening”. Divided into two sessions, the event includes an opening address and closing remarks of Pope Francis, as well as seven group tables featuring fifty speakers.
Emphasizing the theme of the summit – “Love them and protect them” – Cardinal Parolin said that these two actions are not simply recommendations but a “categorical imperative which should command a universal agreement and inspire concrete and collective action”.
The youngest victims of war and migration
History has always shown that children are among the most vulnerable members of society. Despite the progress of modern communication, the world of today remains in the grip of a lack of love and protection for its youngest members, Cardinal Paroline, noted, deploring the tragic reality of wars that claim thousands of Young and defenseless and humanitarian crises under way at sea, where migrants – including many children – risks and death.
The presence of Jewish and Muslim representatives
By referring to the Gospel, the cardinal recalled that Jesus called on his disciples to preserve the purity of the gaze of a child and warned not to harm them. The church remains firm in its mission to defend and maintain the rights of children, even if it recognizes its own shortcomings, he said, reiterating the importance of listening to experts in social, psychological and educational sciences , as well as international organizations and field workers.
He also underlined the value of the interconfessional dialogue, expressing his gratitude for the presence of representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities, in particular the Rabbi David Rosen and the Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar.
The right to play in peace and freedom
Looking at the second world day of children, scheduled for September 2026 after the inaugural celebration in May 2024, Cardinal Parolin urged the world to take into account the votes of children – in particular their rejection of hunger, inequality, violence, of war and environmental destruction.
He called for action to resolve key problems affecting children, including access to resources, education, nutrition, health care, family and leisure. “Each child has the right to play in peace and freedom,” said the cardinal.
A long way
Although the challenges are large, Cardinal Parolin noted that the most important step was to start initiating processes that can produce a positive and lasting change.
He encouraged all the people involved to move forward with confidence and determination, united by the ultimate objective: ensuring that all children are welcomed, loved and protected.
(Tagstotranslate) Children
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