Pope Francis today sent a message to Audrey Azoulay, director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on the occasion of International Literacy Day.

Vatican City.- In the missive, signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, a greeting is extended to the participants in the World Conference held on this date at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, where the "central and primordial role" that teaching and learning play in the development of each person is highlighted.

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International Literacy Day

The Supreme Pontiff expresses his "closeness to those involved in various initiatives at regional, national, and local levels around the world" to celebrate this day and reflect on this year’s theme of "promoting literacy for a world in transition: building the foundations of a sustainable and peaceful economy."

The document, released by the Vatican press office, notes that "the Holy See particularly appreciates UNESCO’s action in favor of a literacy which, while responding to economic and practical needs, has as its fundamental objective the promotion and development of man according to his personal, social and spiritual vocation." (PL)