Imagine bringing together eminent people from the most diverse fields at the Vatican: from high-level politicians, to top sports figures, to peace nobles, to royalty. That's what the Pope did at a summit for children's rights.
The messages were powerful; with an even greater international impact coming from a Royal House. Queen Rania of Jordan did not want to overlook the fact that sometimes images of minors are normalized in the purest horror movie style.
RANIA AL-YASSIN
Queen of Jordan
In every news report or video flagged 'sensitive' on social media, they are there: Bleeding and covering their ears after an air strike. Burned so badly their own parents can’t even recognize them. Taking in horrors that have been blurred from our screens for our protection. Think about that. Their lived reality is deemed too graphic for even adults to watch.
And what a hell this woman had to go through. Her childhood was marked by Nazi persecution. Her mark, the number she will never forget: 75,190. It was the number she was tattooed with when she arrived at the Auschwitz camp as a child.
Out of almost a hundred minors, Liliana was one of the 35 who managed to be released. At 94 years of age, she is still sometimes singled out.
LILIANA SEGRE
Senator for Life of Italy
However, I know that when you give way to hatred you pollute human coexistence. This is what I intend to testify today. At a time when there is so much hatred around me, I am the oldest woman in Europe to have an escort, and I am insulted and attacked without having done anything.
Although the topic was serious, there were also small touches of humor. One of them came from the FIFA president. He did so with what is almost certainly the most recognizable object in history.
GIANNI INFANTINO
FIFA President
What looks actually like a simple ball is a magic object because if you look at your face when I took out this ball, well, there is a smile in your face. And the same smile is on the faces of every child all over the world who you gift such a ball.
But that ball hid a strong message: that of soccer as an educational medium to capture the attention of children.
The Pope was in charge of putting the finishing touches to the summit. And he wanted to make sure that what was said on that day did not remain in the air, starting with his own actions.
POPE FRANCIS
For my part, to give continuity to this effort and promote throughout the church, I plan to prepare a letter, an exhortation, I don't know, dedicated to children.
Everybody celebrated Pope Francis' decision. So much so that the applause went on and on for more than a minute.
The Pope even brought some of the world's most influential people to their feet.
JH
