Study abroad should promote diversity, tolerance, Pope tells international students

December 01, 2016

In a December 1 address to international students gathered in Rome, Pope Francis contrasted “the modern concept of the intellectual, engaged in the realisation of the self and in search of personal recognition, often without considering his or her neighbor, with a more fraternal model, working for the common good and for peace.”

Speaking to the Fourth World Congress for the Pastoral Care of International Students, which had drawn young people from 36 different countries to the Vatican, the Pope said that the experience of study abroad should expose student to different cultures, making them “more tolerant and hospitable.” He remarked that this experience has become more common in an era of globalization.

However, the Pope continued, there are potential dangers in the trend toward study abroad. He spoke about “the emergence of closed attitudes: defense mechanisms when faced with diversity.” He also mentioned “the globalization of indifference.”

“In our time, the moral challenges to be faced are many, and it is not always easy to fight for the affirmation of the truth and values, especially when young,” the Pope told the students. “But with God’s help, and with the sincere wish to do good, every obstacle can be overcome.”

 

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Further information:

• The Pope to the participants in the Fourth World Congress for the Pastoral Care of International Students: those who have the gift of being able to study have a responsibility of service for the good of humanity (Vatican press office)