POpe Benedict- Catholic Schools Maniest A Right To Freedom of Education and Governments Should GIve Parents the Freedom to Choose

I thought this was interesting news item. I shall post in full and give some comments afterward. Needless to say these thoughts do not just apply to Italy.

Catholic Schooling Is a Right, Says Pope
Affirms It Contributes to Common Good of Society

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 25, 2008 (

Zenit.org).- Catholic schools are a concrete manifestation of the right to freedom of education, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope expressed this conviction today during an address in the apostolic palace at Castel Gandolfo to representatives of Italian Catholic educational centers, who are taking part in a meeting organized by the Italian episcopal conference's Center of Studies for Catholic Schools.
"The Catholic school is an expression of the right of all citizens to freedom of education, and the corresponding duty of solidarity in the building of civil society," said the Pope, quoting a document of the Italian episcopate.

"To be chosen and appreciated, it is necessary that the Catholic school be recognized for its pedagogical purpose; it is necessary to have a full awareness not only of its ecclesial identity and cultural endeavor, but also of its civil significance," he explained. This "must not be considered as the defense of a particular interest, but as a precious contribution to the building of the common good of the whole society."

In this connection, the Pontiff called for equality between state and Catholic schools, "which will give parents the freedom to choose the school they desire."

"It has become evident that recourse to Catholic schools in some regions of Italy is growing, compared to the preceding decade, despite the fact that difficult and even critical situations persist," he noted.
The Catholic school has an important role, Benedict XVI concluded, as it is the instrument of the "Church's salvific mission" in which "the close union is achieved between the proclamation of the faith and the promotion of man

."

Hmmm What Candidate in the 08 races approves of vouchers that "will give the parents the freedom to choose the school they desire" ? Maybe this guy?

Politics aside the Pope is often talking about the importance of Catholic schools and the rights to that education. I wish those statements would get more play in the United States