Pope Francis says bullying at school prepares students for war, not peace

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

Updated 10:58 AM CST, January 4, 2025

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis warned that bullying in schools prepares students for war rather than peace, in a speech to Catholic educators gathered at the Vatican on Saturday.

Speaking to about 2,000 Italian teachers, educators and parents, Francis stressed his message against bullying, asking the audience to pledge to fight against it both at school and at home.

The pontiff praised educational efforts at schools to promote peace, noting that “imagining peace” lays the foundations for “a more just and fraternal world” through “every subject taught and through the creativity of children and young people.”



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-bullying-schools-families-catholic-teachers-9970a0e5d6305e0b73f4757f999e701c

[Srkdqltr]

1. Isn't that obvious?

[JHB]

12. Not to lots of people who think bullying helps kids learn to fight for themselves.

But that sort of "sink or swim" thinking always forgets about the "sinking" part. Not to mention how it sends the message that "everyone thinks the bullies are right."

[jvill]

2. "And to highlight his point, his priests molested a boy and forced a teenage girl to have her grandfather's baby..."

[Deep State Witch]

3. Some of the Worst Bullying I Got

Was in CCD class.

[Sneederbunk]

4. Has apologized several times for bullying Lutherans in grade school.

[pfitz59]

5. Sorry Pope buddy

Your entire religion is based on bullying and guilt tripping. Tell that to your Opus Dei Catholic Nazi pals.

[milestogo]

6. Huh?

[Buddyzbuddy]

7. That's rich.

On it's face, I understand and applaud the intent of the Pope. But, the Catholic church is world renowned for bullying for centuries. Ruling, through fear and intolerance is the main method of control. I don't blame the faithful nor do I paint all clergy with the same brush. I do believe those that teach faith through kindness, love of one another, tolerance and acceptance are the best possible methods to convey your message but it would be counter productive to control.

[Talitha]

8. I guess he didn't get the memo about the Inquisition.

[JHB]

13. He didn't expect it

[RT_Fanatic]

9. The only response I can think of is a question.

“Why does anyone, and I mean ANYONE, give a rat’s ass what this funny-hatted pedophile-protecting idiot has to say?”

[Initech]

10. Most of the bullies at my school voted MAGA / conservative.

[union rep]

11. This article and a quarter will not get one a cup of coffee.

You would think pedophilia would be before bullying. Just sayin.

[robleb]

14. Maybe it is time for some in-house cleaning?

Supporting Trump, by many of your priests and bishops not only prepares us for war and not peace, it support hate and not love. Take care of your own household first before you speak.

[CBHagman]

15. I'm glad the pope is addressing bullying...

...and I'm hoping more Americans will give some thought to how much bullying has been normalized and enabled in the United States, at multiple levels, from schools to the workplace to politics.