On the next World Children's Day, the Church wishes to once again focus her attention on the world of childhood and the natural environment in which children live and grow up, namely the family. It is important to put children and their families first, to consider them within the rich network of relationships making up their world: relationships with parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives and friends. The Church wishes to value the world of children and strengthen those bonds that children greatly appreciate and that give them joy and confidence.
The Church also wishes to bring a positive message to children, who, unfortunately, from an early age, are surrounded by so many negative messages. The Holy Father Leo XIV often returns in his teaching to the centrality of Christ, the theme of unity, and the theme of peace. These are three perspectives that can greatly help the Church and families to bring a positive message to children.
First of all, the Church and families have the mission of transmitting the faith to children, of making them aware of the beauty of friendship with Jesus, who makes them feel loved and never alone.
They must also be shown the joy that comes from unity: unity within their families, unity with the children they meet every day, at school, and with all those who live alongside them, while divisions only generate sadness, fear and uncertainty.
And children must be shown the beauty of peace, peace experienced first and foremost in their families, in the environments they live in and in the whole world. Children understand the value of peace very well and suffer greatly when they perceive tension and conflict around them, starting with their parents or in their surrounding environment.
We therefore hope that the next WCD represents a wonderful opportunity for the Church to show her closeness to children and their families, giving them hope and joy.
