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If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.Ps 127:1

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Pope Leo XIV and the Pressure to Be Perfect: “Many Give Up Before Even Trying”

Catholic Intelligence1 min read

Pope Leo XIV identified three challenges for pastoral ministries in schools and universities: cultivating the inner life, developing a person-centered digital culture, and educating for peace.

Speaking on the pressures facing students, the Pope noted that a performance-driven culture often ranks and compares people ruthlessly. He stated that this misguided meritocracy fails to respect individuals and causes many to give up before they even try. He also highlighted that students often face insecurity, loneliness, and fear of the future, noting that the World Health Organization estimates one in seven adolescents aged 10 to 19 experiences a mental health disorder.

The Pope said school and university pastoral ministries should accompany the slow development of thought through teaching, discernment, and perseverance. He described educational processes as journeys that require time to mature and an engagement with reality beyond appearances. He encouraged schools and universities to be welcoming places where students can discover their abilities, interact socially, and find people willing to walk together.

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