HOW PONTIFF LEO'S APPEALS: INTEGRAL ECOLOGY IN LIFE OF FAMILY, ECCLESIASTICAL ACADEMY, ENDING DEATH PENALTY
For Immediate Release From Vatican News!
Vatican Releases Document On Integral Ecology Within The Family
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life release a document titled “Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family,” offering guidelines for families related to the care for creation and human life.
Vatican News
The Vatican has published a document focused on living the care for creation and for human life within the family, entitled “Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family.”
Released on Monday, the text is intended to be a response to Pope Francis' and Pope Leo XIV’s appeals to listen to the cry of the poor and of the Earth and offer a concrete response, according to a press release presenting the initiative.
The document draws from the principles of the post-synodal Exhortation Amoris Laetitia and the teachings of the Encyclical Laudato si’.
The text is the result of the joint efforts of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, and was developed with the direct involvement of theologians, consultants, and married couples.
Families Are The Soil From Which Society Grows
“Family values are the fruitful soil from which all of society grows. In order to care properly for our common home and for all people, families must be the model,” wrote the Prefects of the two Dicasteries, Cardinal Michael Czerny and Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
“Many families are attentive in caring for our common home and caring for others, their minds set on the hope that is Jesus Christ. The values of the family are consistent and fundamental to the care of our common home and of our neighbors,” they continued.
“What are the values of the family? Members of the family learn selflessness, patience and dedication, openness and protection of life, so that they can flourish, complementarity and reciprocity, intergenerational connections and solidarity with other families, and the transmission of knowledge and traditions.”
Guidelines And Suggestions
The document offers guidelines to families, Church groups, and individuals to help them address the current environmental challenges and to promote the integral development of every person.
The first part of the text presents fundamental concepts based on Pope Francis’ most significant writings, while the second part—the heart of the volume—contains thematic chapters that reflect seven objectives from Laudato si'.
These include: listening to the cry of the earth, listening to the cry of the poor and the vulnerable, adopting and promoting ecological economics, adopting ecological lifestyles, integral ecology and education, ecological spirituality in the family, and families participating in community life.
Each chapter is divided into four sections: an explanation of the topic, implications of the topic, questions for reflection and discussion, and a list of proposed actions.
The press release notes that although the document is dedicated to families, it can be useful to all, as care for creation and the promotion of human dignity are topics that affect everyone.
Families, it says, as the constitutive element of society, can become the motor of this profound cultural change.
“Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family” is available for free in 5 languages on the official websites of both Dicasteries.
********
Pope: Pontifical Diplomacy At The Service of Peace, Truth and Justice
Visiting the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy on the occasion of its 325th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the figure of the pontifical diplomatic priest: a messenger of peace, called to defend the entire human family, not only the Catholic community. By Benedetta Capelli
On Monday, 27 April, Pope Leo visited the Pontifical Academy in Rome, emphasising “the special vocation at the service of peace, truth and justice” to which the pontifical diplomatic priest is called. The meeting coincided with the 325th anniversary of the institution’s foundation, which the Pope had already visited before being elected to the Chair of Peter, when he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Unity in Christ
Pope Leo expressed “profound gratitude” for the “history of dedication and service” celebrated by this joyful anniversary. It is an important history, made possible by priests from across the world who have contributed “with their humble efforts to building that unity in Christ which, amid the diversity of origins, makes communion a defining characteristic of the Diplomatic Corps of the Holy See.”
An Exercise In Conversion
Pope Leo reflected on the reforms that have given the institution “the autonomy needed to renew the structure of studies in law, history, political science and economics, alongside the study of languages used in international relations.” Yet there is an even more important reform, he emphasised that it is that of a constant exercise of conversion, aimed at cultivating “closeness, attentive listening, witness, a fraternal approach and dialogue […] combined with humility and gentleness”, all virtues that must permeate your entire priestly ministry.
Bridges That Shape History
Recalling saints, blesseds and Popes who have shaped the Academy’s history, the Pope highlighted the distinctive role of the pontifical diplomatic priest: “a messenger of the Easter proclamation: ‘Peace be with you!’”. Even when hopes for dialogue and reconciliation seem to fade, he continues, it remains essential to bring to all the words of the Risen Christ: “I leave you peace, I give you my peace.”
"Your mission calls you to be “bridges” and “channels”, so that the grace that comes from heaven may find its way into the folds of history", he said.
A Sign of Christ’s Love
Another task of the pontifical diplomat is to bring the Truth - who is Christ - into the assembly of nations, “becoming a sign of His love for that portion of humanity entrusted to his care — first as a pastor, and only then as a diplomat.” Pope Leo reiterated, as he did in his address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See at the beginning of the year, that words carry weight and must once again “express realities clearly and unambiguously,” so as to foster “authentic dialogue without misunderstanding”, bearing witness to what has become flesh.
Promoters of Justice
The then Pope broadened his perspective to embrace the whole human family, since the diplomat’s ministry is not limited to the Catholic community.
"This calls you to be promoters of every form of justice that helps to recognise, restore and protect the image of God imprinted in every person", he said.
Guardians of Human Dignity
“In a world marked by tension,” the Pope continues, “which seems to make conflict the only way of addressing needs and demands, our efforts to commit ourselves to dialogue, listening and reconciliation may appear insufficient, at times even futile.”
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20...
********
Cardinal Pizzaballa: Jerusalem Is Called To Heal The World’s Wounds
In a new pastoral letter, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem reflects on the war in the Holy Land, saying that the conflict has “brought one era to a close and opened another, doing so in the worst possible way.” By Beatrice Guarrera
How should Christians live in the midst of the conflict currently afflicting the Holy Land?
That is the question at the heart of a new pastoral letter from the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Released today, Monday 27th April, the letter is entitled “They returned to Jerusalem with great joy: A proposal for living the vocation of the Church in the Holy Land.”
To Heal The World’s Wounds
The vocation of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa observes in the text, is to heal the world’s wounds. The Patriarch’s reflection revolves around the image of the Biblical city of Jerusalem, which “signifies coexistence and relationship, both civil and religious.”
The letter is structured in three parts: the first is an assessment of the current state of the region, the second a vision for the Church of Jerusalem, and the third reflects on the pastoral implications on parishes, families, schools, and institutions.
Pizzaballa emphasizes that the letter does not contain strictly political analysis: it is “political” only in a broader sense, insofar as it concerns our remaining, as Christians, within the polis, or actually existing world, while always oriented toward the true and definitive Polis, the heavenly Jerusalem.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/...
********
Pope’s Africa Visit An Opportunity To Share ‘Joys And Sorrows’ of Local Catholics
Archbishop José Bettencourt, Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, speaks to Vatican News about Pope Leo’s recently-concluded Apostolic Journey across Africa. He says that the Pope’s visit was an opportunity to “touch the joys and the sorrows of the body of Christ in this part of the world” By Joseph Tulloch
Pope Leo XIV has now returned to Rome following a four-country, 11-day Apostolic Journey across Africa. The trip, he told journalists, was an opportunity to “encourage and accompany” African Catholics, urging them to deepen their faith whilst also appealing to those in power to respect their rights and dignity.
For parts of the journey, the Pope was accompanied by Archbishop José Bettencourt, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. In an interview with Vatican News, the Archbishop said that the Pope’s visit had sent a “very strong” message of peace, and had been an opportunity to deepen bonds between local Catholics and the universal Church.
The following transcript has been lightly edited for style and brevity.
Q: You are the Apostolic Nuncio to two of the countries the Pope has just visited – Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Let’s start with the first of them. How did the visit to Cameroon go?
Cameroon is an immense country. It goes from the Atlantic to the Sahara, and there are 26 dioceses and some 300 religious congregations, from the Trappists to the most socially active. During the Holy Father's visit, he was able to touch upon various important aspects, from his celebrations of the Eucharist to his visit to the war-torn area of Bamenda.
Pope Leo’s message of peace was very, very strong. I believe that will continue to be an iconic image of this first African visit. It was an echo of his first words on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica [‘Peace be with you’], which he was able to come to Africa and repeat and in many ways.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20...
********
Cardinal Parolin: Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy Offers Paths of Peace For The World
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reflects on the 325th anniversary of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, which forms future papal diplomats, as Pope Leo XIV visits the institution for the first time since his election. by Vatican News
In an interview with Vatican Media marking the 325th anniversary of the foundation of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the institution is called today to help chart “concrete paths of peace, made up of principles, rules, and structures that guarantee order among nations,” especially amid the present crisis of the international order.
The Cardinal Secretary of State's observations come as the Academy prepares to welcome Pope Leo XIV on Monday afternoon at its headquarters in Piazza della Minerva - his first visit there since his election.
Forming Pontifical Diplomats
Cardinal Parolin described the Academy as an institution that unites history and renewal, noting that while it forms part of the Secretariat of State, it is also entrusted with preparing those who represent the Successor of Peter throughout the world.
Pontifical diplomats, he said, must be capable of assessing situations with clarity, engaging in dialogue, and discerning the needs of peoples and nations.
“They need that missionary zeal which makes them authentic and well-prepared witnesses to the Pope’s solicitude for the local Churches and the People of God,” he said.
Beyond Soft Power
Reflecting on the Academy’s mission, Cardinal Parolin noted that its educational work is “essentially ecclesial,” since the Holy See’s diplomatic action extends far beyond simple soft power.
The Academy, he said, prepares future diplomats to interpret international developments in light of the Church’s social doctrine and to engage the structures of the international community with sound discernment.
Students are formed not only in academic excellence, but also in priestly virtues such as listening, dialogue, humility, and closeness to others.
Reform Under Pope Francis
Cardinal Parolin also recalled Pope Francis’ reform of the Academy through the Chirograph Il Ministero Petrino, describing it as a significant renewal of the institution’s mission and structure.
He noted that Pope Francis once described Vatican diplomats as “priests with suitcases in hand,” underscoring the pastoral and evangelising character of their service.
Under the reform, the Academy has been restructured as an Institute of Higher Formation in Diplomatic Sciences and now grants Licentiate and Doctoral degrees.
Responding To The Crisis of Diplomacy
Addressing the current state of international diplomacy, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged widespread concern over diplomacy’s limited ability to prevent or resolve conflicts.
He said the Academy’s response is to offer a renewed formation in diplomatic sciences, including legal, historical, political, and economic studies, integrated with ecclesiastical disciplines and the Church’s evangelising mission.
However, he stressed that technical preparation alone is insufficient.
“A diplomat is called first to bear witness and only then to negotiate,” he said.
The Cardinal concluded that the crisis of the international order—marked by renewed recourse to force and disregard for international law—can be addressed only by “charting concrete paths of peace.”
“That,” he said, “is the task entrusted today to the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, 325 years after its foundation.”
********
Over 1 Million Afghan Girls Denied Education Since 2021 Ban
The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, warns that restrictions on girls’ secondary education could affect more than 2 million by 2030, with dire consequences for the country’s health, workforce, and future economic growth. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, reports that over the past five years, at least 1 million girls have been directly affected by restrictions on secondary education, warning that if current decrees remain in place, this number could exceed 2 million by 2030.
According to UNICEF's new analysis "The Cost of Inaction on Girls’ Education and Women’s Labour Force Participation in Afghanistan," over a million girls have been denied the right to learn since the ban on secondary education was imposed in 2021.
UNICEF's Executive Director, Catherine Russell appeals, “We urge the de facto authorities to lift the ban on secondary education for girls and call on the international community to remain committed to supporting girls' rights to learn.”
Grim Prospects
Restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment, UNICEF cautions, could lead to a loss of over 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 in the Middle Eastern country.
The UN agency found that female representation in civil services fell from 21 percent to 17.7 percent between 2023 and 2025, and warns that the diminishing number of trained women professionals in schools and hospitals will devastate children's learning, health outcomes, and future opportunities.
The report warns that removing women from these fields, where they are permitted to work and are critically needed, directly harms children, as it will lead to fewer girls in schools and reduced care for women and children.
Impact On Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services
The declining number of female health workers, UNICEF states, will directly limit maternal, newborn, and child health services, where societal context often prevents women from receiving medical services from men.
“Afghanistan,” Catherine Russell said, “cannot afford to lose future teachers, nurses, doctors, midwives, and social workers, who sustain essential services. This will be the reality if girls continue to be excluded from education.”
Loss of Another Generation of Skilled Professionals
The report draws attention to the serious issue of losing trained female professionals while preventing the next generation from replacing them.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2...
Vatican Releases Document On Integral Ecology Within The Family
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life release a document titled “Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family,” offering guidelines for families related to the care for creation and human life.
Vatican News
The Vatican has published a document focused on living the care for creation and for human life within the family, entitled “Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family.”
Released on Monday, the text is intended to be a response to Pope Francis' and Pope Leo XIV’s appeals to listen to the cry of the poor and of the Earth and offer a concrete response, according to a press release presenting the initiative.
The document draws from the principles of the post-synodal Exhortation Amoris Laetitia and the teachings of the Encyclical Laudato si’.
The text is the result of the joint efforts of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, and was developed with the direct involvement of theologians, consultants, and married couples.
Families Are The Soil From Which Society Grows
“Family values are the fruitful soil from which all of society grows. In order to care properly for our common home and for all people, families must be the model,” wrote the Prefects of the two Dicasteries, Cardinal Michael Czerny and Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
“Many families are attentive in caring for our common home and caring for others, their minds set on the hope that is Jesus Christ. The values of the family are consistent and fundamental to the care of our common home and of our neighbors,” they continued.
“What are the values of the family? Members of the family learn selflessness, patience and dedication, openness and protection of life, so that they can flourish, complementarity and reciprocity, intergenerational connections and solidarity with other families, and the transmission of knowledge and traditions.”
Guidelines And Suggestions
The document offers guidelines to families, Church groups, and individuals to help them address the current environmental challenges and to promote the integral development of every person.
The first part of the text presents fundamental concepts based on Pope Francis’ most significant writings, while the second part—the heart of the volume—contains thematic chapters that reflect seven objectives from Laudato si'.
These include: listening to the cry of the earth, listening to the cry of the poor and the vulnerable, adopting and promoting ecological economics, adopting ecological lifestyles, integral ecology and education, ecological spirituality in the family, and families participating in community life.
Each chapter is divided into four sections: an explanation of the topic, implications of the topic, questions for reflection and discussion, and a list of proposed actions.
The press release notes that although the document is dedicated to families, it can be useful to all, as care for creation and the promotion of human dignity are topics that affect everyone.
Families, it says, as the constitutive element of society, can become the motor of this profound cultural change.
“Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family” is available for free in 5 languages on the official websites of both Dicasteries.
********
Pope: Pontifical Diplomacy At The Service of Peace, Truth and Justice
Visiting the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy on the occasion of its 325th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the figure of the pontifical diplomatic priest: a messenger of peace, called to defend the entire human family, not only the Catholic community. By Benedetta Capelli
On Monday, 27 April, Pope Leo visited the Pontifical Academy in Rome, emphasising “the special vocation at the service of peace, truth and justice” to which the pontifical diplomatic priest is called. The meeting coincided with the 325th anniversary of the institution’s foundation, which the Pope had already visited before being elected to the Chair of Peter, when he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Unity in Christ
Pope Leo expressed “profound gratitude” for the “history of dedication and service” celebrated by this joyful anniversary. It is an important history, made possible by priests from across the world who have contributed “with their humble efforts to building that unity in Christ which, amid the diversity of origins, makes communion a defining characteristic of the Diplomatic Corps of the Holy See.”
An Exercise In Conversion
Pope Leo reflected on the reforms that have given the institution “the autonomy needed to renew the structure of studies in law, history, political science and economics, alongside the study of languages used in international relations.” Yet there is an even more important reform, he emphasised that it is that of a constant exercise of conversion, aimed at cultivating “closeness, attentive listening, witness, a fraternal approach and dialogue […] combined with humility and gentleness”, all virtues that must permeate your entire priestly ministry.
Bridges That Shape History
Recalling saints, blesseds and Popes who have shaped the Academy’s history, the Pope highlighted the distinctive role of the pontifical diplomatic priest: “a messenger of the Easter proclamation: ‘Peace be with you!’”. Even when hopes for dialogue and reconciliation seem to fade, he continues, it remains essential to bring to all the words of the Risen Christ: “I leave you peace, I give you my peace.”
"Your mission calls you to be “bridges” and “channels”, so that the grace that comes from heaven may find its way into the folds of history", he said.
A Sign of Christ’s Love
Another task of the pontifical diplomat is to bring the Truth - who is Christ - into the assembly of nations, “becoming a sign of His love for that portion of humanity entrusted to his care — first as a pastor, and only then as a diplomat.” Pope Leo reiterated, as he did in his address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See at the beginning of the year, that words carry weight and must once again “express realities clearly and unambiguously,” so as to foster “authentic dialogue without misunderstanding”, bearing witness to what has become flesh.
Promoters of Justice
The then Pope broadened his perspective to embrace the whole human family, since the diplomat’s ministry is not limited to the Catholic community.
"This calls you to be promoters of every form of justice that helps to recognise, restore and protect the image of God imprinted in every person", he said.
Guardians of Human Dignity
“In a world marked by tension,” the Pope continues, “which seems to make conflict the only way of addressing needs and demands, our efforts to commit ourselves to dialogue, listening and reconciliation may appear insufficient, at times even futile.”
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20...
********
Cardinal Pizzaballa: Jerusalem Is Called To Heal The World’s Wounds
In a new pastoral letter, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem reflects on the war in the Holy Land, saying that the conflict has “brought one era to a close and opened another, doing so in the worst possible way.” By Beatrice Guarrera
How should Christians live in the midst of the conflict currently afflicting the Holy Land?
That is the question at the heart of a new pastoral letter from the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Released today, Monday 27th April, the letter is entitled “They returned to Jerusalem with great joy: A proposal for living the vocation of the Church in the Holy Land.”
To Heal The World’s Wounds
The vocation of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa observes in the text, is to heal the world’s wounds. The Patriarch’s reflection revolves around the image of the Biblical city of Jerusalem, which “signifies coexistence and relationship, both civil and religious.”
The letter is structured in three parts: the first is an assessment of the current state of the region, the second a vision for the Church of Jerusalem, and the third reflects on the pastoral implications on parishes, families, schools, and institutions.
Pizzaballa emphasizes that the letter does not contain strictly political analysis: it is “political” only in a broader sense, insofar as it concerns our remaining, as Christians, within the polis, or actually existing world, while always oriented toward the true and definitive Polis, the heavenly Jerusalem.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/...
********
Pope’s Africa Visit An Opportunity To Share ‘Joys And Sorrows’ of Local Catholics
Archbishop José Bettencourt, Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, speaks to Vatican News about Pope Leo’s recently-concluded Apostolic Journey across Africa. He says that the Pope’s visit was an opportunity to “touch the joys and the sorrows of the body of Christ in this part of the world” By Joseph Tulloch
Pope Leo XIV has now returned to Rome following a four-country, 11-day Apostolic Journey across Africa. The trip, he told journalists, was an opportunity to “encourage and accompany” African Catholics, urging them to deepen their faith whilst also appealing to those in power to respect their rights and dignity.
For parts of the journey, the Pope was accompanied by Archbishop José Bettencourt, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. In an interview with Vatican News, the Archbishop said that the Pope’s visit had sent a “very strong” message of peace, and had been an opportunity to deepen bonds between local Catholics and the universal Church.
The following transcript has been lightly edited for style and brevity.
Q: You are the Apostolic Nuncio to two of the countries the Pope has just visited – Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Let’s start with the first of them. How did the visit to Cameroon go?
Cameroon is an immense country. It goes from the Atlantic to the Sahara, and there are 26 dioceses and some 300 religious congregations, from the Trappists to the most socially active. During the Holy Father's visit, he was able to touch upon various important aspects, from his celebrations of the Eucharist to his visit to the war-torn area of Bamenda.
Pope Leo’s message of peace was very, very strong. I believe that will continue to be an iconic image of this first African visit. It was an echo of his first words on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica [‘Peace be with you’], which he was able to come to Africa and repeat and in many ways.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/20...
********
Cardinal Parolin: Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy Offers Paths of Peace For The World
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reflects on the 325th anniversary of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, which forms future papal diplomats, as Pope Leo XIV visits the institution for the first time since his election. by Vatican News
In an interview with Vatican Media marking the 325th anniversary of the foundation of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the institution is called today to help chart “concrete paths of peace, made up of principles, rules, and structures that guarantee order among nations,” especially amid the present crisis of the international order.
The Cardinal Secretary of State's observations come as the Academy prepares to welcome Pope Leo XIV on Monday afternoon at its headquarters in Piazza della Minerva - his first visit there since his election.
Forming Pontifical Diplomats
Cardinal Parolin described the Academy as an institution that unites history and renewal, noting that while it forms part of the Secretariat of State, it is also entrusted with preparing those who represent the Successor of Peter throughout the world.
Pontifical diplomats, he said, must be capable of assessing situations with clarity, engaging in dialogue, and discerning the needs of peoples and nations.
“They need that missionary zeal which makes them authentic and well-prepared witnesses to the Pope’s solicitude for the local Churches and the People of God,” he said.
Beyond Soft Power
Reflecting on the Academy’s mission, Cardinal Parolin noted that its educational work is “essentially ecclesial,” since the Holy See’s diplomatic action extends far beyond simple soft power.
The Academy, he said, prepares future diplomats to interpret international developments in light of the Church’s social doctrine and to engage the structures of the international community with sound discernment.
Students are formed not only in academic excellence, but also in priestly virtues such as listening, dialogue, humility, and closeness to others.
Reform Under Pope Francis
Cardinal Parolin also recalled Pope Francis’ reform of the Academy through the Chirograph Il Ministero Petrino, describing it as a significant renewal of the institution’s mission and structure.
He noted that Pope Francis once described Vatican diplomats as “priests with suitcases in hand,” underscoring the pastoral and evangelising character of their service.
Under the reform, the Academy has been restructured as an Institute of Higher Formation in Diplomatic Sciences and now grants Licentiate and Doctoral degrees.
Responding To The Crisis of Diplomacy
Addressing the current state of international diplomacy, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged widespread concern over diplomacy’s limited ability to prevent or resolve conflicts.
He said the Academy’s response is to offer a renewed formation in diplomatic sciences, including legal, historical, political, and economic studies, integrated with ecclesiastical disciplines and the Church’s evangelising mission.
However, he stressed that technical preparation alone is insufficient.
“A diplomat is called first to bear witness and only then to negotiate,” he said.
The Cardinal concluded that the crisis of the international order—marked by renewed recourse to force and disregard for international law—can be addressed only by “charting concrete paths of peace.”
“That,” he said, “is the task entrusted today to the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, 325 years after its foundation.”
********
Over 1 Million Afghan Girls Denied Education Since 2021 Ban
The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, warns that restrictions on girls’ secondary education could affect more than 2 million by 2030, with dire consequences for the country’s health, workforce, and future economic growth. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, reports that over the past five years, at least 1 million girls have been directly affected by restrictions on secondary education, warning that if current decrees remain in place, this number could exceed 2 million by 2030.
According to UNICEF's new analysis "The Cost of Inaction on Girls’ Education and Women’s Labour Force Participation in Afghanistan," over a million girls have been denied the right to learn since the ban on secondary education was imposed in 2021.
UNICEF's Executive Director, Catherine Russell appeals, “We urge the de facto authorities to lift the ban on secondary education for girls and call on the international community to remain committed to supporting girls' rights to learn.”
Grim Prospects
Restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment, UNICEF cautions, could lead to a loss of over 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 in the Middle Eastern country.
The UN agency found that female representation in civil services fell from 21 percent to 17.7 percent between 2023 and 2025, and warns that the diminishing number of trained women professionals in schools and hospitals will devastate children's learning, health outcomes, and future opportunities.
The report warns that removing women from these fields, where they are permitted to work and are critically needed, directly harms children, as it will lead to fewer girls in schools and reduced care for women and children.
Impact On Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services
The declining number of female health workers, UNICEF states, will directly limit maternal, newborn, and child health services, where societal context often prevents women from receiving medical services from men.
“Afghanistan,” Catherine Russell said, “cannot afford to lose future teachers, nurses, doctors, midwives, and social workers, who sustain essential services. This will be the reality if girls continue to be excluded from education.”
Loss of Another Generation of Skilled Professionals
The report draws attention to the serious issue of losing trained female professionals while preventing the next generation from replacing them.
Read the full article HERE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2...
