In 2022, Pope Francis wrote a personal Letter to Educators for Journeys in Film to include in our curriculum guide for Francesco, the award-winning Pope Francis documentary by Evgeny Afineevsky. We hope that this letter provides inspiration and comfort to educators of all kinds, regardless of faith or philosophy.
A Letter from Pope Francis
Dear teacher:
Our world, so overwhelming, needs you in such a special way. In the history of humanity, new pages are being written, many of them filled with sufferings, others full of hope. And you, from your place, every day, every morning or every afternoon, when you meet with your students, are building part of that history.
From that moment in which you discovered your passion for teaching, almost without realizing it, you assumed the mission of finding, in the person of your students, someone who hopes, a heart that wants to be loved and learn how to love, a life that doesn’t want to lose hope. So, in each encounter with a boy or girl, you are the main actor of a page of history which is written in the heart of each one of them.
Education, teaching, allowing for growth is not only a paid job, but rather something that goes further. It assumes the challenge of receiving life as it is; taking their hands with tenderness and listening to their worries without imposing oneself, but rather proposing a path to follow. It is a task that can only be done with the heart.
For this reason, I ask you to never forget that to be an educator is to look on with love and to transmit to new generations the passion for that which is good, fighting for a fairer and more harmonious world.
Being an educator also is building, through small gestures, the culture of coming together which is only possible if we remember that “no one is saved alone,” even as “save yourself ” is often the main belief nowadays.
To educate is to grow, and one only grows in the haven of a community and a family. You who know the importance of memory and memories, help your students to remember the tender glances that have been forming them. Teach them to discover the vision of Jesus Christ, who watches us with mercy and chooses us. It only grows where there is enthusiasm, where there is joy, where there is simplicity in one’s heart. It only grows where there is no selfishness, where one comes out of oneself to find another; where you think about the poorest among you, who are in the most need and include them in the community and in the family. It only grows where there is LOVE. Don’t be afraid to make teaching an act of love.
Thank you for everything that you do. I am praying for you. May Jesus bless you and may the Holy Virgin take care of you. And please, don’t stop praying for me.
In brotherly love,
Francisco
Francesco is a ground-breaking film featuring unprecedented access to Pope Francis from Oscar-nominated director and producer Evgeny Afineevsky (Director of Winter on Fire). The film offers an intimate look at a global leader who approaches challenging and complex issues with humility, wisdom and generosity.
We recommend our Francesco curriculum guide to educators who want to teach about Pope Francis and are looking for classroom-ready Francesco lesson plans. Our lessons introduce viewers to Pope Francis and go on to explore his commitment to environmental issues, refugees, genocide prevention and more. These lessons are designed for grades 9-10 and 11-12, and may be adaptable for other grades and audiences. Many of the lessons can be used without viewing the film. Our Francesco lesson plans are also available in Spanish: Guía Curricular de Francesco.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. We extend our condolences to the global Catholic community and the many people around the world affected by his loss.