By Kielce Gussie
Vatican City, February 3, 2025 – Pope Francis has announced his intention to write an Apostolic Exhortation dedicated to children, underscoring the global responsibility to safeguard their rights. The announcement came as the first-ever International Summit on Children’s Rights concluded at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, attended by religious leaders, advocates, and representatives of international organizations.
A Global Crisis and the Church’s Response
Throughout the Summit, experts and leaders highlighted the grim reality faced by millions of children worldwide—poverty, war, lack of education, and exploitation. The central message echoed during discussions was clear: “Nothing is worth more than the life of a child.” Pope Francis described the Vatican gathering not only as an “observatory” to assess the state of childhood globally but as a “laboratory” aimed at fostering concrete solutions.
“We must recognize that children are watching us,” Pope Francis said, quoting Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land. “They observe how we move forward in life, and it is our duty to ensure that the path we pave for them is one of justice, peace, and protection.”
Commitment Beyond Words
The Pope’s upcoming Apostolic Exhortation seeks to give continuity to the Church’s commitment to children’s rights. This move aligns with previous Vatican efforts to uphold the dignity of vulnerable populations, reinforcing the Church’s moral obligation to advocate for the marginalized.
The Summit hosted seven key panel discussions addressing topics such as access to education, healthcare, the right to food, and the protection of children in conflict zones. Among the notable speakers was Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, who called for unwavering dedication to children’s well-being. “Every child has an equal claim to our protection and care,” she said, drawing attention to the harrowing conditions in Gaza, where 96% of children reportedly fear for their lives, and nearly half have expressed a desire to die. “How did we let our humanity come to this?” the Queen asked.
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore also spoke on the environmental crisis, warning that climate change poses an immense threat to future generations. “The burden we have placed upon the children of our planet is unjust,” he said. “Willful blindness has allowed us to ignore the damage we are causing, but it is not us who will bear the brunt of these consequences—it is our children.”
Beyond Speeches: A Call for Action
Business leader Kamel Ghiribi, President of GKSD Investment Holding Group, urged attendees to go beyond rhetoric. “We must seek to find the problem behind the problem; the why,” he said, emphasizing that real change requires tackling root causes rather than symptoms. “I hope that when we all leave here today, we will make concrete gestures.”
As a tangible commitment, Pope Francis and the Summit participants signed a declaration outlining eight principles for protecting and promoting children’s rights. This declaration serves as a framework for global action, ensuring that the mission of the Summit extends beyond its closing day.
Insight: The Church’s Role in a Changing World
Pope Francis’ decision to author an Apostolic Exhortation on children underscores a fundamental truth: the well-being of children is not just a social issue but a moral and spiritual imperative. As global conflicts intensify, economic disparities widen, and environmental crises loom, the Church’s advocacy for children becomes ever more vital.
This initiative signals a renewed commitment by the Vatican to shaping global conversations on human dignity. It also serves as a challenge to policymakers, religious leaders, and communities worldwide to translate words into action. The Pope’s forthcoming Exhortation will likely serve as a guide for Catholics and the broader international community, urging them to prioritize the most vulnerable members of society.
As the Summit concluded, one message stood out: ensuring the rights and well-being of children is not just an option—it is a moral obligation that must shape policies, communities, and consciences alike.
Source: Vatican News, International Summit on Children’s Rights 2025
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