Pope Francis recently met with a delegation from the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University in Tbilisi, Georgia to highlight the importance of education. He emphasized its role in leading people from the darkness of ignorance to the brightness of knowledge. During the audience, Pope Francis drew attention to the significance of culture and faith in a world that is increasingly plagued by forgetfulness, indifference, and hate.

According to the Pope, education is a crucial means of reaching self-knowledge, as reflected in the Georgian word “gantleba,” which derives from the word “light.” The Pope explained that education helps to turn on the lamp in a dark room, thus changing the appearance of everything around.

Pope Francis also emphasized the importance of culture and faith in Georgian life, linking the words “light” and “baptism.” He noted that the Georgian culture invites people to keep the lamp of education lit and the window of faith open, as both enlighten the rooms of life.

The Pope praised Georgia’s rich history of transitioning from darkness to light and noted the role of the Catholic Church in fostering this change. He also emphasized the valuable role of Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University as a fine example of collaboration between Catholics and Orthodox in the cultural and educational spheres.

Pope Francis concluded his audience by emphasizing the importance of creating bridges for the good of the country and its people. He also praised Georgian humanism for its unique beauty and encouraged its appreciation through respectful comparison with other cultures.