Message from Pope Francis for International Literacy Day

Pope Francis highlighted that literacy is essential to build a fraternal, supportive and peaceful society, within the framework of the International Day dedicated to this learning, which this year is celebrated between September 9 and 10.

In his message released today by the Press Office of the Holy See, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin and addressed to the Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, the Holy Father expressed his spiritual closeness to all the promoters and participants in this conference which will take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

This is, according to the Pontiff, an occasion “to take stock of the results obtained in the fight against illiteracy and to encourage all people and institutions committed to the invaluable service of permanent education.”

Referring to the theme chosen for this year’s event, “Promoting multilingual education: literacy at the service of mutual understanding and peace,” he highlighted that it is “an invitation to reflect on the contribution of literacy to bringing people together.” and to the promotion of mutual understanding.”

“Multilingualism is increasingly recognized as a factor that favors personal development, especially in terms of mental flexibility, openness and adaptation to other cultural realities, but also for its ability to encourage dialogue, listening and mediation,” he noted below.

Likewise, he emphasized that polyglots are often sought after because, in addition to their ability to understand and speak several languages, “they tend to have better analytical skills, greater communicative and social skills, and better cognitive abilities.”

“Polyglots are also more willing to appreciate the richness of other cultures, including those furthest from their own,” he added.

Along these lines, he stated that language “is a fundamental instrument in communication between people and between peoples.”

“Helping people and future leaders to become familiar with various languages ​​means giving our humanity bridge builders, capable of overcoming prejudices, differences, antagonisms and polarizations to give priority to dialogue and encounter.”

He also noted that “it means giving our world people who know how to speak to the minds, but also to the hearts of their interlocutors, whether they are partners or adversaries.”

For this reason, Pope Francis urged political leaders, educational agents and citizens “to value the importance of literacy” to build a fraternal, supportive and peaceful society.”