Pope Francis spoke on the final day of the Scholas Occurentes conference, which took place in Vatican City.
The Pope began joking about his prepared speech when asked to speak to those present.
POPE FRANCIS
'I am like the one who they said, 'Say something'. And he says, 'Well, I'll improvise.' And he takes out what he had already written.
The Pope thanked teachers and participants for their work in promoting a culture of integration in a time where the world seems sharply divided.
POPE FRANCIS
'Today there is no doubt that the world is at war. There is no doubt, of course, that the world is divided. A culture of encounter must be put in place. A culture of integration, of meeting, of building bridges. And you are doing this work.â?
Quoting an African proverb, the Pope stressed that it 'takes a village to raise a childâ?. He also highlighted the need for children to not be left alone 'at the mercy of a world in which an idolatry of money, violence and waste prevail.â?
POPE FRANCIS
'Children and the elderly are thrown away and now we have an entire generation of youth without work in developing countries. An estimated 75 million youth in developing countries, from 25 years and under without work. An entire generation of youth is thrown away. This compels us to go out and not leave these children alone. This is our work.â?
The Pope encouraged the members of Scholas to continue to work in creating an environment that provides a hopeful future for today's youth.
POPE FRANCIS
'I encourage you to continue working to create a more humane village. That it may offer children a present of peace and future of hope.â?
Before leaving, Pope Francis was presented with several gifts from groups who, together with Scholas, are supporting peace and education initiatives across the globe.
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