Pope Francis will soon gather with more than 6,000 children from around the world for the event called, “Let's Learn from Boys and Girls.” He announced this during the Angelus on October 1.
POPE FRANCIS
It will be a meeting that will manifest the dream each of us has: to retrieve the pure sentiments of children, for the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children. Children teach us how to be transparent in relationships, how to spontaneously welcome those who are strangers, and how to respect all of creation. Dear children, I am waiting to learn from all of you!
The event will be held by the Dicastery for Culture and Education and takes place on November 6 in the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall. Before meeting the Pope, the children will visit St. Peter's Basilica, hear performances from Italian musicians and join together in groups to share songs and testimonies.
One of the main organizers of the event, Cardinal José Mendonça, says in today's world of conflict, adults have much to learn from children.
CARD. JOSÉ T. DE MENDONÇA
Prefect, Dicastery for Culture & Education
Conflicts and wars that seem to have no end ask for courage from all of us. The courage to dream of peace and the fortitude to win harmony and fraternity.
The children we will meet in three weeks will be a source of courage, joy, and fortitude for us to build true and lasting peace.
The boys and girls are mostly ranging from ages 7 to 12 and include children of immigrants and refugees. They will even have the opportunity to ask questions to the Pope, amidst learning from catechism lessons and speakers on the themes of fraternity and respect for person and creation.
AT