Pope Francis' monthly prayer intention this January is for "the right to an education."
The Pope invited the Church to pray for this intention in this month's The Pope Video, which is entrusted to the entire Catholic Church through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
In The Pope Video for January, the Holy Father warned that today, "we’re experiencing an educational catastrophe," and underscores, "This is no exaggeration."
Due to wars, migration, and poverty, the Holy Father decried, some 250 million boys and girls lack education.
"All children and youth have the right to go to school," the Pope insisted, adding, "regardless of their immigration status."
Education, he went on to say, is a hope for everyone. In addition, he reminded, "it can save migrants and refugees from discrimination, criminal networks, and exploitation."
"So many minors," he decried, "are exploited!"
Education, therefore, is essential, the Holy Father suggested, because it "can help them integrate into the communities who host them."
Education, the Pope underscored, opens the doors to a better future. "In this way," he explained, "migrants and refugees can contribute to society, either in their new country or in their country of origin, should they decide to return."
The Holy Father concluded his Video with some food for thought, saying, "let’s never forget that whoever welcomes the foreigner, welcomes Jesus Christ."
With this in mind, Pope Francis urged faithful to join him in praying for migrants, refugees and those affected by war, "that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a more human world, might always be respected."
