Pope Francis plants virtual olive tree to foster awareness of peace among children
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has planted a virtual olive tree for peace as part of
an initiative aimed at getting children around the world to plant their own trees,
to help foster an awareness of peace and what it means in their homes, communities,
and countries.
The Pope planted his virtual tree by tapping the touch screen
of a tablet yesterday afternoon in the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican, during
an encounter with representatives of Scholas Occurrentes "the Worldwide Network of
Schools Getting Together." The initiative is being promoted by the Pontifical Academy
of Sciences Chancellor Argentine Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo. In addressing the
group of about 40 people, Pope Francis talked about education, sports and solidarity.
The Pontifical Academy of Sciences is inviting schools to participate
in the initiative “in all levels.” Pope Francis, who Wednesday was also celebrating
the first anniversary of his installation and Father’s Day, launched a tweet for the
occasion: “I greet the World School Network for Encounter. Today we plant the first
virtual olive tree for peace. @infoscholas”