From April 23 to 25, 2026, Rome hosted the Third National Meeting of Religion Teachers, organized by the Italian Bishops' Conference. Under the theme "The Heart Speaks to the Heart: Teaching the Catholic Religion for a Culture of Encounter," the event brought together educators from across Italy, joined by a Spanish delegation led by Bishop Alfonso Carrasco Rouco, president of the Episcopal Commission for Education and Culture.
This gathering was not only a time for training but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds among educators who share the calling to pass on faith in the classroom. The Spanish delegation underscored the importance of international collaboration in religious education, especially as the teaching of religion faces both challenges and opportunities in different countries.
Teaching Religion: A Bridge Between Faith and Culture
During the meeting, participants explored the role of Catholic religious instruction in students' holistic development. They reflected on how this subject can foster dialogue between faith and culture, promoting an education that not only imparts knowledge but also shapes individuals capable of building a more just and compassionate society.
Antonio Roura, director of the Secretariat of the Episcopal Commission for Education and Culture, presented the state of religious education in Spain. He highlighted the unique contribution of religion teachers to the educational system, as well as their profile and the challenges they face daily. Roura emphasized that teaching religion is not indoctrination but an open invitation to dialogue, recognizing the religious dimension as an essential part of the human person.
As Scripture says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6, ESV). This truth reminds us of educators' responsibility to plant seeds of faith and values that last a lifetime.
Audience with Pope Leo XIV
The highlight of the meeting was an audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Paul VI Hall, where over 6,000 religion teachers gathered to hear the Holy Father's words. It was the first time the pontiff, elected in May 2025, addressed this group during his papacy. In his message, the Pope emphasized the importance of religious education as a tool for building a culture of encounter in a world marked by polarization and indifference.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged teachers to be witnesses of hope and to cultivate a heart that speaks to the hearts of their students, following the meeting's theme. He also invited them not to be afraid to propose faith with respect and joy, trusting that the Holy Spirit works in every heart.
This moment echoed Jesus' words: "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14, ESV). Teachers, by teaching religion, open the doors of the kingdom to new generations.
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing religious education today. Secularization, cultural and religious diversity, and lack of resources are some of the obstacles teachers must navigate. Yet the presence of so many committed educators is a sign of hope.
Participants shared experiences and strategies for making religion class a space for authentic dialogue, where students can explore questions of meaning and faith. The exchange of ideas across borders reinforced the conviction that religious education, when done well, can truly transform lives and communities.
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