On February 13, the Pope received guests from Georgia in audience. Students and professors of Tbilisi Sulkhana-Sabas Orbeliani University had arrived in the Vatican. This educational institution is new, founded only 20 years ago.
Inese Steinert – Vatican
“Education helps the new generations to grow by discovering and caring for the roots so that they bear fruit,” said the Pope. He added that it fits well with Georgia’s identity – “a land that is young but has an ancient history, a land that has received the blessing of Heaven.” Francis assured that he has happy memories of his previous visit to Georgia.
The Holy Father remembered Patriarch Ilia, a man of God who also composes music and writes songs, and to whom the Pope listens when he feels sad. Francis also has a vivid memory of the wine offered by the patriarch, which he tasted during his trip. “Strong but very good,” he said.
The Pope praised the cooperation of Sulkhana-Saba Orbeliani University between Catholics and Orthodox Christians in the cultural and educational environment. The word “education” – in the Georgian language “gantaleba” means “light” and makes one think about the transition from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. To educate means to illuminate, just like turning on a light in a dark room, which does not change anything in it, but gives a new aspect to every thing. Through study, as the ancient Oracle of Delphi claimed, one can “know thyself.” An ancient monk also wrote: “Do you want to know God? Get to know yourself!”
The Pope pointed out that this “enlightenment” of knowledge is necessary, especially when the darkness of hatred is thickening in the world, which is often caused by forgetfulness and indifference. Georgian culture calls for keeping the lamp of education lit and the window of faith open, as they both illuminate the living space. The history of Georgia shows many transitions from darkness to light, as this land has always been able to rise and shine – even when it has suffered from foreign invasions and domination several times over the centuries. “I also think about the lands that are still taken from you,” said the Pope.
The bishop of Rome highly appreciated the Georgians’ joy of life, courage, hospitality and positive attitude, which they managed to maintain even in difficult times, thanks to their faith and culture. In this respect, the Catholic Church has also played an important role. It has promoted cultural openness, which the university, which bears the name of the prominent Georgian diplomat Sulkhan-Sabas Orbeliani, is now trying to continue in a constructive and fraternal spirit with its many faculties. The Holy Father noted that Georgians, starting from the youth, deserve more opportunities. At the same time, Georgian humanism in its uniqueness and beauty, art, literature, music and other cultural expressions of this people deserve to be more widely recognized in the world. “Light does not exist to be seen, but to help us see – both in the immediate vicinity and further afield. It is the same with culture. It opens horizons and overcomes borders,” said the Pope. He wished the university community to be a “gentle light” for many young people.
