The research meeting included an audience with Pope Francis, an Argentine native, who talked to the scholars about the need for “a broad educational covenant aimed at forming mature persons capable of mending the fabric of human relationships and creating a more fraternal world.” He called for education that combines “the language of the head with the language of the heart,” urging cooperation on the part of families, schools and social, cultural and religious institutions.
The pope also paid homage to teachers, whom he characterized as “artisans” shaping the generations to come and pressed for their work to be “acknowledged and supported by every possible means.”
While the pope delivered the speech in Spanish, attendees were given a written copy in English—but that version didn’t account for some spontaneous additions.
“He extemporized a lot, which was very charming,” said Damon. “My Spanish is a bit shaky, so I probably caught only about two-thirds of his off-the-cuff remarks.”
Damon particularly enjoyed one of the pontiff’s impromptu asides: “He said that the real test of a good school is whether it produces any poets.”
The scholars also took advantage of the opportunity to each shake hands with the pope, a moment documented by an official photographer and perhaps forever relegated to the pre-COVID era.
Reimagining the future of learning
Although situated in one of the world’s great religious settings, the research discussions were largely secular, the scholars said. Presenters discussed innovations in teaching and the importance of “whole child” education that includes attention to cognitive skills, literacy, social-emotional learning, motivation and purpose. Pope Francis directed the scholars to specify the educational tools needed “to lay the foundations for a more humane, healthy, equitable and prosperous society.”
His appeal for greater collaboration between schools, families and social and cultural institutions is particularly significant now as the pandemic has disrupted educational systems around the world, Barron said. “The spirit of cooperation and generosity he calls for will be absolutely essential as we work to reimagine the future of learning.”
“I felt very humbled to be in his presence,” said Damon. “He’s a force for good in the world, and we were honored to contribute to this.”
Pope Francis announced the Global Compact on Education live on Oct. 15 via the Vatican News YouTube channel. See the website of the Global Compact for more details.