Protecting the cultural heritage of humanity

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( unesco ), Pope Francis sent a video message to Director General Ms Audrey Azoulay and unesco’ s working community, which was broadcast on Friday afternoon, 12 November, during anniversary celebrations at the headquarters in Paris. The following is a translation.

Madame Director General,

Ladies and Gentlemen who form the working community of unesco !

I express my heartfelt congratulations on the 75th anniversary of this United Nations agency. The Church has a privileged relationship with it. In fact, the Church is at the service of the Gospel, and the Gospel is the most humanizing message known to history. It is a message of life, freedom and hope that has inspired countless educational initiatives in every age and in every place, and has animated the scientific and cultural growth of the human family.

For this reason, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a privileged spokesperson of the Holy See in the common service to peace and solidarity among peoples, to the integral development of the human person and to the protection of humanity’s cultural heritage.

Congratulations to unesco ! All the best! May God bless you and all the best with your work! Thank you!