EN - FR - D - IT
Pope Francis in the Paul VI hall on Friday greets members of the Italian
Parents Association which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The Italian Parents Association works to support parents in their
commitment to family and education according to the principles of Christian
ethics.
Parents and education
Praising the Association’s work with reference to the education of
children at school, Pope Francis noted the alliance between families and the
school system. But he also highlighted that at times this partnership is talked
about as being under threat, such as, the family not appreciating the work of
teachers, and schools feeling the invasive influence of parents.
To change this situation, the Pope said, “someone must take the first
step”, so that trust can be nurtured.
He stressed that without schools and teachers, parents ran the risk of
being alone in their “educational activity and being less able to face the new
educational challenges that come from contemporary culture, from society, from
mass media, from new technologies.”
Communication and collaboration
Referring to his Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, the Pope pointed
out, "school is not a substitute for parents but is complementary to
them.” Therefore, he continued, in school education, collaboration between the
various components of the educational community must never be lacking. Without
frequent communication and without mutual trust, a community is not built and
without a community it is not possible to educate.”
Reinforcing the aspect of collaboration between parents and educators,
Pope Francis, recounted a story from his childhood, telling those present that
after talking back to his teacher, his mother was called and arrived at the
school. Then in front of the teacher his mother told him to apologize, which he
did. Pope Francis said, he thought the episode was finished and done with, but
his mother had other ideas when he got home.
Pope Francis also commented that it was the task of the Church to help
eliminate the educational isolation that families can feel, adding that the
Church community was a place where parents could come to receive trust and
support.
Concluding his words, Pope Francis told the parents gathered that
children “are the most precious gift you have received,” noting that it was
their commitment and generosity that would help their children grow in faith
and character.
vatican news
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