New York City, N.Y., Sep 8, 2017 / 23:01 pm
Peace is something that must begin in childhood, the Holy See's representative told the United Nations, stressing the need for children to be educated in a "culture of encounter."
"The promotion of a culture of peace among children is crucial for a future of peace. Key to installing this value in children is to educate them in a 'culture of encounter,'" said Archbishop Bernadito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN.
This "involves an authentic atmosphere of respect, esteem, sincere listening and solidarity, without the need to blur or lessen one's identity," he said.
The archbishop spoke at the High-Level Forum on a Culture of Peace in New York City on Sept. 7, noting that the forum's focus on childhood development coincides with the 100th anniversary of the first apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima.