Pope Reiterates Need to Respect Rights of Children, Protect Them from Danger

Vatican, Feb 6, 2026: Addressing the Organising Committee of the initiative From Crisis to Care: Catholic Action for Children, Pope Leo XIV on Thursday encouraged members as they continued the work begun at last year’s International Summit on Children’s Rights.

The Catholic Action for Children Initiative emerged in response to Pope Francis’ urgent appeal to defend the rights, dignity, and well-being of children. It is co-sponsored by institutions of the Holy See and religious unions, with the involvement of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, various religious congregations, and lay experts.

Active on five continents through direct engagement with children and families, the initiative seeks to culminate in a public action plan designed to assist Church leaders, communities, and partners. Its objective is to ensure that every child grows up within safe and nurturing family environments, supported by strong and coordinated systems of care.

Tragic realities facing many children today

During the Vatican audience, the Pope voiced deep concern about the conditions confronting children and young people today, describing the situation as a tragedy, noting “that the children and youth of our world, the ones Jesus wanted to come to him, are so often deprived of care and access to the basic necessities of life.”

He observed that many children have “few opportunities for achieving their God-given potential,” and remarked that the situation has shown no improvement over the past year.

“It is also of deep concern to learn of the lack of progress in protecting children from danger,” he said.

Reflecting on global priorities, Pope Leo questioned whether attention had shifted away from the most vulnerable, asking whether “global commitments for sustainable development have been cast aside.” He pointed to the continued reality of children living in extreme poverty, experiencing abuse, forced displacement, lack of education, and being “isolated or separated from their families.”

Recalling the teaching of Pope Francis, he reaffirmed the central role of the family, underscoring a child’s “right to receive love from a mother and a father; both are necessary for a child’s integral and harmonious development.”

 Need for an integral approach

Addressing the work of the Committee, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for its dedication to formulating concrete responses to the concerns raised at the Summit and highlighted two key aspects of its mission.

First, he reminded participants that they are “speaking on behalf of those who have no voice,” urging them to remain steadfast despite discouragement, unsuccessful initiatives, or indifference.

“Let the good you know you are doing carry you forward,” he said.

Secondly, the Pope stressed the importance of addressing the “transversal needs of children,” cautioning that these needs risk being overlooked when care is restricted to a single dimension. While acknowledging the variety of charisms and specializations within Church structures and Catholic organizations, he called for deeper harmony and cooperation to ensure that children receive care that is “well balanced” and attentive to their “physical, psychological, and spiritual welfare.”

Listen to children!

Reaffirming the support of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Pontifical Academy for Life, the Union of Superiors General, and the International Union of Superiors General, Pope Leo encouraged the formulation of “concrete steps and action plans” to fulfil these shared responsibilities.

Above all, he recalled and emphasized Pope Francis’ insistence on listening to children, quoting the message presented at last year’s Summit: “Together with you, we want to cleanse the world of bad things, colour it with friendship and respect, and help you build a beautiful future for everyone!”

Concluding his address, the Pope said, “We ask the Lord’s blessings upon all of you, and we remember in prayer especially children, especially those who suffer and do not have the basic needs with which to live.”

Courtesy: Vatican News