U.S. actors George Clooney, Richard Gere and Salma Hayek were honored for their work for Pope Francis’ “Scholas Occurrentes,” Sunday.
The initiative, whose name means “schools that meet”, was founded by the pope in 2013.
The three actors were awarded medals by Francis for having helped “Scholas” with its educational projects around the world.
“First I would suggest that this is a wonderful program that we’re working on here, to see so many different religions talking about inclusion,” Clooney said in his remarks to the gathered guests. “Because the one thing that we know and it starts with schools, is that hatred and bigotry has to be taught, you don’t just, we’re not born this way, we learn it, it’s a learned behavior.”
According to its website, the initiative connects technology with arts and sports in order to promote integration and peace.
The education project inspired by the pontiff works in 82 countries with 400,000 schools and aims to unite children from different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Pope Francis recognized the work of Clooney, Richard Gere and Salma Hayek by awarding them special medals, in a ceremony that took place at the Vatican’s Synod Hall.
“The fact that Pope Francis and all of you here are involving at such a young age and in schools the idea that inclusion is the only way we’re going to make it, I think, that to me is what is so spectacular about what you all are doing here and I’m very honored, and my wife Amal and I are very honored to be here with all of you, so thank you,” Clooney said.
Comments