Pope Francis met with the International Commission on the Apostolate of Education of the Society of Jesus (ICAJE) in the Vatican, urging Jesuit educators to prioritize holistic education centered on Jesus. The Pope emphasized the importance of fostering service and academic rigor to build a more fraternal society.
In his address, Pope Francis highlighted the initial hesitation of St. Ignatius and his companions regarding the importance of schools, but praised their eventual realization of the evangelizing potential of education. He commended Jesuit schools for ensuring that the message of the Gospel is heard among new generations, accompanied by academic and intellectual rigor.
The Pope stressed the need to keep Jesus at the heart of Jesuit education, integrating the Gospel into the curriculum and activities to create an environment where young people can engage with Jesus’ teachings and contribute to the common good. He also emphasized the importance of educators leading by example, embodying the values they wish to impart to their students.
Pope Francis expressed optimism about the impact of a renewed global educational pact, calling for a shift from personal success to the collective well-being of humanity. He warned against the violence and polarization in the world, highlighting the need for a hopeful future built on shared responsibilities and common goals.
In conclusion, Pope Francis emphasized the long-term nature of education, urging educators to be patient, persevere, and insist with love. He reminded them that even Jesus faced challenges with his disciples but continued to teach with patience and love.