A chirograph published by Pope Leo XIV announces the abolition of the Committee for the World Children’s Day, established by Pope Francis in 2024.
By Salvatore Cernuzio
After placing the Pontifical Committee for the World Children’s Day under the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life last August—changing its status as an entity directly under the Holy Father—Pope Leo XIV abolished the Committee with a chirograph published today, February 13.
This Committee was established by Pope Francis in November 2024 with the task of handling the “ecclesial animation and pastoral organization” of World Children’s Day. This was an event that followed in the footsteps of World Youth Day and brought thousands of children from around the world to Rome for an event of music, faith, and testimony.
Responsibility transferred to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life
The initiative will continue to be celebrated, with the second edition scheduled in Rome from September 25 to 27, 2026, as Pope Leo announced last November.
However, the responsibility for organizing and coordinating the event has now been entirely transferred to the aforementioned Dicastery, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “The Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life is responsible for all matters that were previously under the authority of the Pontifical Committee,” reads the letter.
Promoting synergies and efficiencies
The decision, Pope Leo explains, continues the direction set with the rescript of August 2025 and “aims to further promote synergies and more effective work for the realization of this noble initiative, after having consulted appropriately.”
Pope Leo also abolishes the founding chirograph and the related statute of the Pontifical Committee. Additionally, “any acts and regulations previously adopted” by the Committee are also revoked, and they “cease to have legal effects in both the canonical and civil orders.” Furthermore, the president, vice president, and other members of the Committee will immediately cease their roles.
According to the document, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life will “define the outstanding matters of the Committee” and present “a final liquidation report to the Secretariat for the Economy for approval and for any decision regarding the allocation of the remaining assets.”
The first edition of the World Children’s Day took place on May 25, 2024 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, in the presence of Pope Francis and with the participation of over 50,000 children and teenagers, including some from war-torn regions.
