Pope Leo Affirms Christian Identity as the Guiding Compass of Education

Vatican City, November 22, 2025: Pope Leo XIV has delivered a strong message to educators gathered at a conference in Madrid, emphasising that Christian identity is the cornerstone of authentic education. In his video address to the “Sin identidad no hay educación” meeting at Colegio Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo, he praised teachers for their dedication amid the increasing challenges faced by modern education systems.

The Pope described the mission of educators within the Church as “living leaven” for new generations and communities seeking firm direction. He underscored the central theme of the conference, stating that “without identity, there is no education.” Christian identity, he explained, is not a decorative symbol but “the very core that gives meaning, method, and purpose to the educational process.”

Christ as the Compass

Drawing an analogy with sailors navigating by the North Star, Pope Leo underlined that Christ must remain the central reference point in Christian education. Without this grounding, he warned, education risks becoming routine and losing its transformative impact. He also stressed the importance of uniting faith and reason, noting that these are not opposing forces but complementary paths that shape understanding, character, and intelligence.

The Pope highlighted the need for holistic educational experiences that embrace sciences, history, ethics, and spirituality within a community that “is like a home.” He emphasised that genuine collaboration among families, parishes, schools, and local communities is essential in accompanying young people on their journey of learning and faith.

The Church’s Maternal Role

Pope Leo also recalled the Church’s maternal role in education, as articulated by the Second Vatican Council. Describing the Church as “the mother generating believers, the spouse of Christ,” he affirmed her responsibility to guide and teach, entrusted by Christ with nurturing, educating, and sustaining individuals and communities through maternal care.

Marking Gravissimum educationis

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the conciliar declaration Gravissimum educationis, the Pope encouraged educators to recognise their vocation as an essential part of the Church’s mission. Education, he said, “is not merely a social service, but an expression of the Church’s identity and vocation.”

Pope Leo concluded by reaffirming the irreplaceable role of educators in shaping both character and knowledge, reminding them that Christian identity remains the compass that guides every aspect of teaching and learning.

Pope Leo Affirms Christian Identity as the Guiding Compass of Education

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