CHURCH AND SOCIETY SHOULD BE CONCERNED BY PROBLEMS OF SCHOOLS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 13, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope today received 7,000 teachers and pupils from Roman schools in the Paul VI Hall, to whom he "symbolically" gave a letter last December 8 for the Citizens' Mission which is dedicated this year to places of study and work.

In his speech, the Holy Father said that "the future of humanity and the social development of a nation depend greatly on the quality of schools and the commitment with which they are put forward as educative communities for all their members."

"Educational and cultural projects suited to the requirements of a full development of the person, which is the main concern of schools, should be encouraged. ... In practical terms, all members of Rome's civic and ecclesial communities should be concerned by the problems of schools and promote suitable action so as to support the complete training of all young people, with special attention to those who undergo difficult situations or abandonment, sustaining their expectations, hopes and plans for their insertion in society and the world of work."

John Paul II emphasized that, "to successfully face up to these situations, close collaboration between state and non-state schools, families, parishes and social and cultural entities is required."

Addressing particularly the pupils, he said: "Be active protagonists in your intellectual and spiritual growth, making an effort in your studies, loving your schools and bringing the joy and generosity of your hearts to it."

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