(ANS – Vatican City) – On the morning of Friday, May 3, 2024, Pope Francis warmly welcomed the members of the National Confederation for Upskilling in Technical Skills (CONFAP) to the Vatican, marking the commemoration of its 50th anniversary. Among the attendees were representatives from the Salesian community, including delegations from the National Salesian Centre for Upskilling in Technical Skills (Centro Nazionale Opere Salesiane – Formazione Aggiornamento Professionale – CNOS-FAP) and the Salesian Italian Centre for Training of Women in Technical Skills (Formazione Professionale – CIOFS-FP). Their presence brought together hundreds of individuals, including students, educators, trainers, administrative staff, and management personnel from various centers.

Addressing the gathering, the Pontiff expressed deep appreciation for their unwavering commitment, recognizing them as living embodiments of the diverse and enriching spirituality found within different Religious Institutes. He acknowledged their shared charism of serving young people through vocational training, highlighting the vital role they play in shaping the future through education and guidance.

The Holy Father commended the cutting-edge training programs and the exceptional quality of methodologies, laboratory experiences, and educational opportunities provided. However, he underscored a deeper dimension of the education offered, stating, “Above all, your training proposal is comprehensive, as it not only focuses on the quality of tools and teaching methods but also extends special care and attention to young people who find themselves on the fringes of social and ecclesial life.”

In immediate response, the Pope extended heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Thank you for your tireless dedication; thank you to the trainers who wholeheartedly devote themselves to the well-being of young people.”

Continuing his address, the Holy Father reflected on three words that encapsulate the essence of vocational training commitment.

Regarding young people, he described them as “full of talents and potential,” yet also “particularly vulnerable.” He acknowledged the myriad challenges they encounter, including the necessity of emigration, the struggle to secure stable and adequately compensated employment, and the experience of professional dissatisfaction. With solemnity, he emphasized, “In the face of these and similar circumstances, we must all come to realize one thing: educational and training dropout is a tragedy! Let us heed this truth—it is a tragedy!”

In response to these challenges, the Pope urged for a generational shift where the skills of those exiting the workforce are utilized to benefit those entering the job market. He emphasized the importance of adults empathizing with the dreams and aspirations of young people and supporting them without judgment. The Pope elaborated on this point, stressing the imperative for those engaged in vocational training to embrace their neighbors in their entirety, including their wounds. He underscored the responsibility to care for individuals who have not had access to opportunities or come from disadvantaged social backgrounds, recognizing that not everyone has received essential support from family or the Christian community.

Continuing his discourse, the Pope delved into the topic of vocational training within a world characterized by continuous and intricate transformations, where the dual risks of “technocracy” and “technophobia” loom large. Francis advocated for a path that involves investing resources and energy into training that is continuous, creative, and always evolving. Additionally, he stressed the importance of giving recognition and dignity to manual labor, which is often overlooked or undervalued.

In the quest to provide effective vocational training, deemed as the antidote to school dropout, the Pontiff identified two crucial pillars: families and businesses. He emphasized the vital role of families in nurturing and supporting the educational journey of young people, while also highlighting the responsibility of businesses to provide opportunities for practical training and apprenticeships, thereby bridging the gap between education and employment.

In his concluding remarks, the Holy Father delved into the significance of profession, particularly as the International Labour Day and the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker had just been celebrated. He asserted that “it is our profession which defines us” and emphasized that “work constitutes a fundamental aspect of our life and vocation.” Rejecting any notion that reduces work to merely a means of earning income, the Pope cited from his apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit (273) to underscore the intrinsic value of work imbued with purpose and meaning.

Quoting the passage, he reminded that “when individuals recognize that God is calling them to a specific vocation, whether it be in nursing, carpentry, communications, engineering, teaching, art, or any other field, they are able to harness their best qualities of sacrifice, generosity, and dedication. Understanding that our actions have profound meaning and purpose enables us to find a profound sense of fulfillment in our work, enriching our hearts with a unique and profound experience”.

Thus, the Pope emphasized the importance of ‘developing formation paths at the service of the integral growth of the person.’