These children skipped the normal protocol of meeting Pope Francis. They're children of former students of “Libera Università Maria Santissima Assunta” in Rome. The pope met with the school to celebrate the 80 anniversary of its foundation.
The Paul VI Audience Hall was full of people. The pope recalled the role of the university in society, saying it “implies not only a formative commitment but an education that starts from the person and reaches the person.”
POPE FRANCIS
“You must commit as a university, to work on projects to help serve the last people, in order to make our city of Rome grow in the sense of belonging to a common homeland. Working with projects, even small ones, that encourage encounter and solidarity, we can regain a sense of trust in life together.”
Pope Francis also asked them to be aware of their cultural and missionary responsibility in the world so mankind can deepen his understanding of the truth.
POPE FRANCIS
“We must not be afraid to use that word, in spirit of sincere dialogue. Truth, freedom, goodness: with these guidelines, I hope your university will be able to offer a formation which, throughout the whole academic program, there is room for the integral development of each person.”
To end the meeting, the pope greeted some of the sick who were in the front row. He gave a big hug to this girl in particular.
With Pope Francis' meeting in mind, the Libera Università Maria Santissima Assunta begins its 2019-2020 academic year with hope they can put the pope's words into practice and continue to help the formation of future generations.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translated: Rachel Dobrzynski
