Pope Francis announces Apostolic Exhortation on Children’s Rights at historic Vatican Summit

The Vatican hosted its first International Summit on Children’s Rights, bringing together Pope Francis, global advocates, and NGO leaders to address the struggles of millions of children lacking basic rights on February 3.

The Summit’s core message was clear: “Nothing is worth more than the life of a child.” Amid poverty, war, and exploitation, children remain highly vulnerable.

The pope thanked participants for making the Apostolic Palace an “observatory” of childhood realities and a “laboratory for change.”

He stressed, “Children are watching us to see how we move forward in life.”

To continue this mission, he announced his plan to write an Apostolic Exhortation dedicated to children to promote their protection worldwide.

Seven panels covered key topics, including education, healthcare, and basic needs.

Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan urged the world to uphold its promise to protect every child.

She shared a devastating reality: 96% of children in Gaza fear for their lives, and nearly 50% wish to die. She asked, “How did we let our humanity come to this?”

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore warned that climate change is an unfair burden on future generations.

He emphasized that children, not the current generation, will suffer its consequences.

Kamel Ghiribi, a business leader, urged action beyond speeches. He stressed the need to “find the problem behind the problem” and ensure real change beyond the Summit.

Pope Francis and other speakers signed a declaration of eight principles for protecting children’s rights.

While the Summit has ended, its mission continues through the Pope’s upcoming Apostolic Exhortation and a renewed commitment to securing every child’s basic human rights.