In order to be important, you need a school where everyone, without exception, can learn to read and write, to count and do everything that is necessary for growth. In order to be important you need to know Jesus Christ, you need to love him as your best friend, pray to him always, every day. If you want this, now raise your left hand. You must also learn your catechism at home, in school and in church, prepare yourselves for First Communion and Confirmation. If being a child is so important, then all children are important.
All children are important.
There cannot and must not be abandoned children, nor children without families, nor street children. There cannot and must not be children used by adults for immoral purposes, for drug trafficking, for petty and large crimes, for practicing vices. There cannot and must not be children in reformatories and correctional institutions where they do not have a true upbringing. I now address the adults present with their children, or who are listening to my words, from these highlands of Bonfim all the way to Bahia and throughout Brazil. I believe I speak in the children's name, and as their delegate.