Salvatore Cernuzio, Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik – Vatican
The World Children’s Day is an event that – following the model of World Youth Days – brings thousands of children from all over the world to Rome for an encounter of faith and witness. Pope Francis’ initiative will continue. The second edition of the World Children’s Day is planned for September 25-27, 2026, in Rome, as announced by Leo XIV last November. The Pope does this – as he writes in the chirograph – sharing Pope Francis’ concern that “the Church should pay attention to children also through the establishment of a day dedicated to them”.
However, the competence for organization and coordination passes entirely to the aforementioned Dicastery, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life is competent in all matters hitherto foreseen as belonging to this Pontifical Committee” — reads the document.
Promoting synergy and more effective work
The decision – Pope Leo further explains – remains in continuity with the rescript of August 2025 and was made “to further promote synergy and more effective work for the realization of this noble initiative, after appropriate consultations”.
Leo XIV also repeals the chirograph establishing the Committee and its associated statute. “Any acts and regulations hitherto adopted” by the Committee are also repealed, which henceforth have no legal effect in the canonical and civil order. Furthermore, the mandate of the president, vice-president, and other members ends – Vatican News reports.
The Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life — reads the document — “will determine the matters remaining pending after the Committee” and will submit a final liquidation report to the Secretariat for the Economy for approval and decision on the allocation of remaining funds.
First edition in 2024
The first edition of the World Children’s Day took place on May 25, 2024, at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, in the presence of Francis and with the participation of over 50,000 children and teenagers, including those from war-affected areas. This year, children from all over the world are invited to gather again for this event, this time organized by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, which is also responsible for World Youth Days and the pastoral care of the youngest.
