The Holy See and the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) brought together ministers of education and experts in Rome on May 29 and 30 for the conference “Pathways of Hope for a Regional Education Agenda: Mental Health, Digital Technologies, and Education”. The event, organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, focused on the urgent need to prioritize the well-being of the younger generations in public policy, in light of the challenges raised by artificial intelligence.

The debate featured strong academic representation, notably including Professor Susana Costa Ramalho, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences (FCH-Católica). The participation of the professor and psychologist reinforced the Portuguese institution’s contribution to the global debate on the impact of technology and mental health in schools.

During the event, the Pope received the participants in audience and emphasized that contemporary education is called to “rediscover itself.” The Pontiff emphasized that schools cannot limit themselves to the technical transmission of content but must focus on human growth and the cultivation of the inner life. For the Pope, the ethical use of technology and the strengthening of interpersonal bonds are essential for guiding young people with wisdom and hope.

As a result of the two-day meeting, leaders and experts laid the groundwork for a regional educational agenda focused on mental health. The closing of the event highlighted the urgent need to create psychological support networks in schools and to ensure that the digital transition does not exacerbate social inequalities, protecting above all children and young people in the most vulnerable contexts.