VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has renewed the Church’s urgent call to defend the rights and dignity of the world’s most vulnerable children, praising the global Catholic initiative From Crisis to Care: Catholic Action for Children while warning that progress remains painfully slow. His remarks came February 6 during an audience with the initiative’s organizing committee, which is co-chaired by Sr. Niluka Perrera (in photo), who is coordinator of Catholic Care for Children International (CCCI) at the International Union for Superiors General (UISG) and also a Commission member.

The audience coincided with the conclusion of a yearlong international discernment process that brought together Catholic leaders, religious congregations, humanitarian organizations, and child protection experts from 19 countries. The effort culminated in a four-day gathering in Rome from 2–5 February 2026. long international discernment process that brought together Catholic leaders, religious congregations, humanitarian organizations, and child protection experts from 19 countries. The effort culminated in a four-day gathering in Rome from 2–5 February 2026.  

Global Crises Leave Children Increasingly Vulnerable 

Drawing on the findings presented during the initiative’s Rome gathering, participants highlighted an alarming set of trends, from record displacement to widespread violence and deepening poverty. These overlapping crises are eroding the protective environments children depend on, family stability, community support systems, education, healthcare, and safe, nurturing care structures. Catholic institutions, often serving as critical local anchors for vulnerable communities, report escalating needs amid shrinking resources. In his speech to them Pope Leo referred to these global realities as “deeply troubling,” calling it a tragedy that so many children are deprived of necessities and opportunities to realize their God given potential. given potential. given potential.  

A Synodal Response to a Global Crisis 

The From Crisis to Care initiative began following the 2025 International Summit on Children’s Rights, convened by Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. The summit issued a call for global responsibility, urging world leaders and communities to confront the worsening plight of children caught in conflict, migration, exploitation, and systemic neglect. In line with the Church’s synodal vision, the initiative embraced a process rooted in listening, collective discernment, and shared responsibility. Participants emphasized that addressing the needs of children requires a “whole child, whole environment” approach—recognizing that children thrive only when family, community, culture, and policy work in harmony.  

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Concrete Action Plans 

During Thursday’s audience, Pope Leo stressed that despite international commitments, “the situation has not improved,” noting with concern “the lack of progress in protecting children from danger.” He questioned whether global sustainable development goals were being pushed aside as millions of children continue to live in extreme poverty, endure abuse, or face forced displacement. He reiterated the Church’s teaching on the child’s “right to receive love from a mother and a father,” highlighting the family as the “responsible guardian” of life.  

The Pope urged the committee to develop concrete, coordinated action plans capable of addressing children’s transversal needs: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. He also thanked participants for “speaking on behalf of those who have no voice,” encouraging them not to be discouraged by obstacles or slow progress.  

Toward a Global Catholic Action Plan for Children 

The From Crisis to Care initiative is cosponsored by: The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, The Pontifical Academy for Life, The International Union of Superiors General (UISG), The Union of Superiors General (USG), with participation from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, clergy, religious congregations, lay experts, and Catholic inspired humanitarian organizations worldwide. This global effort is expected to culminate in a public action plan designed to support Church leaders, communities, and partners in ensuring that every child can grow up in safe, nurturing family care, supported by coordinated systems of protection.  

A Critical Moment for the Church’s Global Mission 

As crises affecting children deepen worldwide, the Vatican’s renewed call to action underscores a pivotal moment for Catholic organizations working at every level, from grassroots programmes to global advocacy. The Pope’s message echoes the growing consensus among experts that protecting children requires not only compassion but systemic, shared commitment. With its broad coalition and synodal approach, From Crisis to Care aims to help the global Church respond with clarity, unity, and moral leadership to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. 

Photo credit @VaticanMedia