To devote time, passion and energy to educating young people is to build peace. (Pope Francis)

We were honored last Saturday to have a group of our students participate in the Youth Meeting with Pope Francis at Sacred Heart School.

Pope Francis's visit coincided with the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence, and included more than 200 senior religious leaders from around the world. As a school we share the same pride as thousands of others in Bahrain who recognise the significance of this first ever visit by a Pope to Bahrain and the success of the forum.

At the Youth Meeting, Pope Francis shared personal thoughts and a call to action for students. He recognised that it is our youth who are the future, who are destined to rise and who are able to break down social barriers. Pope Francis encouraged students to remain open to innovation and ready to exchange ideas with one another - to talk, make some noise and mingle, becoming a society based on friendship and solidarity.

It was evident our students appreciated the significance of this once in a lifetime opportunity to be in the presence of Pope Francis and to hear his words of wisdom. Some students participated in media interviews commenting on the connection between Pope Francis's message and their own school and faith experiences.

Respect and congratulations to HM King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and the leadership of Bahrain on the success of the forum and Pope's visit. As a country of cultural diversity and many religions, Bahrain continues to shine as an example to the world as a country of tolerance and peaceful co-existence. We have much to be proud of.