RMG – "Dear William, I would heal all the children." International Day of the Child
Featured

18 November 2016

(ANS - Rome) - This year, as every year, we remember the children. Next Sunday 20 November is International Day for the Rights of Childhood and Adolescence (also known more simply as International Children's Day). It is meant to raise public awareness on children's issues. Did you know that 450 million children live in poverty? Millions of children are deprived of their childhood because they must take care of their siblings, carry water for the family, work to bring money home, live on the street ... instead of going to school and playing. These are children who spend their days trying to survive.

Did you know that millions of children suffer from war and violence? "More than 11,000 children have died in the civil war in Syria, which began nearly three years ago, and hundreds of them were victims of snipers or killed selectively."

Did you know that thousands of children are killed by their own relatives in the belief that they are witches or wizards? "I was thrown out of the house because I was accused of witchcraft," said one of those "forgotten children of Africa".

Did you know that every day 40,000 children die from lack of food? Children are dying of malnutrition and disease, including Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), lack of clean water and inadequate sanitation and from the effects of drugs.

It is very difficult to celebrate "International Children’s Day", when it is so clear that millions of children are suffering.

Even in the midst of this dark landscape, the words of Pope Francis fill us with hope. They are the answer that the Holy Father gave to a child called William from the United States who asked him: "Dear Pope Francis, if you could perform one miracle, what would it be?" And the Pope’s answer is not surprising, because the Pope's heart is pained by the suffering of children: "For me it is a mystery. I have no explanation. I often wonder about it. I pray about this question: why do children suffer? It's my heart that asks the question. Jesus wept and in his tears he understood our drama. I try to understand. If I could perform a miracle, I would heal all the children."

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon has written: This year I want to stress the importance of not forgetting the children who are deprived of their freedom."

RELATED ARTICLE(S)

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".