By Wesley Omondi
VATICAN CITY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 (CISA) – As the world celebrates International Literacy Day 2024, Pope Francis has extended his warm greetings to all participants of the event, which is being held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from September 9 to 10.
In a letter conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, Pope Francis acknowledged the global importance of literacy and expressed his gratitude to UNESCO and the Government of Cameroon for their role in organizing the event. The Pope emphasized the significant progress made in combating illiteracy since the inception of this annual event in 1967.
“Celebrated yearly since 1967, International Literacy Day offers us a welcome opportunity to take stock of the results achieved in the fight against illiteracy and to encourage the individuals and institutions engaged in the invaluable service of continuing education,” the pope stated.
This year’s theme, ‘Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace’, resonated deeply with Pope Francis, as he called on the world to reflect on the power of literacy to unite people and foster understanding across cultural and linguistic divides. The theme highlights UNESCO’s continued efforts to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, which the Holy See has long supported.
“The theme chosen for this year’s event is an invitation to reflect more deeply on the role of literacy in bringing peoples together and advancing mutual understanding,” he said.
Pope Francis underscored the growing recognition of multilingualism as a crucial factor in personal growth and global development. He praised the ability of multilingual education to broaden perspectives, encourage dialogue, and promote harmony between different cultures. Multilingualism, the Pope observed, fosters critical thinking and the capacity to engage meaningfully with others, making polyglots more valuable in diverse settings.
“Multilingualism is increasingly being recognized as a factor favouring personal growth and development… by expanding knowledge and fostering openness to other peoples and different cultures,” the Pope continued.
Reflecting on the words of Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis reminded participants of the power of language to bridge divides, emphasizing how speaking in one’s native language touches the heart of the listener. He called for future leaders to be trained in multiple languages, as this skill will enable them to build bridges of understanding and overcome societal divisions.
“Helping people, and their future leaders, to become familiar with several languages translates into providing our human family with bridge-builders, capable of overcoming prejudices, differences, antagonisms and forms of polarization,” the letter read.
In his message, Pope Francis reiterated the role of literacy in building a more peaceful and fraternal society. He encouraged decision-makers, educators, and the public to recognize the value of literacy in fostering a more united and compassionate world. Quoting Saint John Paul II, the Pope expressed hope that literacy would continue to unite people, allowing them to address global challenges in a spirit of brotherhood.
