Below is the text of the Pope’s video with the prayer intention for the month of January – distributed through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – on the theme “For the right to education”: Let us pray that migrants, refugees and people affected by war always see their right to education respected, which is necessary to build a better world.

Francis defends the right to education of children and young people who, because of migration, displacement caused by war and poverty, lack any kind of education.

***

Video of the Holy Father

Today we are experiencing an “educational catastrophe.” And this is no exaggeration. Because of war, migration and poverty, some 250 million children lack education.

All children and young people have the right to go to school, regardless of their immigration status.

Education is a hope for everyone: it can save migrants and refugees from discrimination, criminal networks and exploitation… so many exploited minors! And it helps them integrate into the communities that are hosting them.

Education opens doors to a better future. And so, migrants and refugees can contribute to society, whether in their new country or in their country of origin, if they decide to return.

And let us never forget that whoever welcomes the stranger welcomes Jesus Christ.

Let us pray that migrants, refugees and those affected by war always see their right to education respected, an education necessary to build a more humane world.