Pope Francis ~ the Global Education Compact
Back in October 2020 when Pope Francis launched the Global Compact on Education, the world was experiencing waves of lockdowns social isolation during an unprecedented pandemic. Pope Francis noted that through education, many of the divisive ills of society can be addressed - namely the cult of the self and the primacy of indifference to others.
The Compact, sponsored by the Congregation for Catholic Education, encourages change on a global scale, so that education creates fraternity, peace, and justice. According to the Pope, the pact is “to ensure that everyone has access to a quality education consistent with the dignity of the human person and our common vocation to fraternity.”
The Global Network of Edmund Rice Schools (EREBB) proudly partnered with Pope Francis’ education initiative, Scholas Occurrentes.
“Education is one of the most effective ways of making our world and history more human... "
~ Pope Francis, 2020
Global Edmund Rice Schools Partner with Pope Francis’ Global Education Compact
Last week Members of Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders met with Scholas founders, Pope Francis and José María del Corral, to discuss the promotion of global connections among young people to enable a “culture of encounter”.
During the meeting Pope Francis expressed his delight with the work that Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition are doing in Australia and around the globe, making the world a more just, sustainable and peaceful place. He shared his deep belief in the transformative work of teachers and expressed his appreciation for their work and commitment, particularly throughout the pandemic.
The meeting concluded with the Holy Father leading the group in shared prayer and offering a blessing for all our schools, students, staff and families.
Pictured above: Wayne Tinsey (EREBB Ambassador), José María del Corral (Scholas Occurrentes), Cris Ritchie-Bonomo (United States), Gerry Bennett (Ireland), Pope Francis, Br Albert Gomez (Sierra Leone), Brian Garrone (Australia), Alberto Olivero (Argentina). Photo courtesy: EREA
