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As we remember our beloved late Pope Francis, we also praise our God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us through the life and ministry of his servant. One of the “key achievements” of his ministry as Bishop of Rome was his special attention to the young people. His speeches, gestures and love for the young could easily fill more than a book! Memories are abundant!

He consistently stressed the importance of young people within the Church and society, inviting and urging them to share the hope and joy of the Risen Christ with peers and others. He encourages them to nurture the spark that has been kindled within them, understanding that it grows by being shared [Pope Francis, Rejoicing in Hope [Romans 12:12], 9 November 2023].

The words below will tell the reader that the pope’s concern for young people was of paramount importance. However, a line deserves to be added: this sharing cannot claim the right of covering the immense richness of Pope’s Francis approach to youth. These selected areas are the fruit of a personal choice.

Empowering the youth: active listening and involvement

Pope Francis called for the active listening and empowerment of young people, urging the Church to involve them in meaningful dialogue and decision-making processes. He stressed that young people should be empowered, involved in dialogue, planning activities, and decisions, so they feel like active participants in the Church, bringing the gospel to their peers [Pope Francis to Participants in the International Congress on Youth Ministry of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life [25 May 2024]]. This requires a high quality of formation, with a willingness to listen and empathise, allowing evangelisation to grow and bear fruit.

He consistently stressed the importance of young people within the Church and society, inviting and urging them to share the hope and joy of the Risen Christ with peers and others.

Protagonists of change: charity and service

Pope Francis encouraged young people to be “protagonists of the revolution of charity and service”, fostering a more compassionate and fraternal world [Christus Vivit, 174]. The presence of young people in difference areas of life will truly contribute to achieving this goal.

He urged them to make their dreams of love, justice, and peace a reality, starting with themselves, and to avoid sacrificing their youth on superficial pleasures, helping to build a worthy society. Protagonists of the revolution of charity! Powerful words! I remember when he pronounced the similar words “protagonists of change” at the Laterano during our International Youth Meeting in Rome in 2017, the joyful and youthful cheers that followed clearly bore witness to how the pope was able to talk and motivate the youth about their mission in this present age.

Bearing witness: hope and joy

Pope Francis emphasized hope and joy as essential elements of the Christian message that young people are called to embody and share with the world. He reminds them not to be afraid to share the hope and joy of the Risen Christ, understanding that it grows when given away [Rejoicing in Hope]. The world seeks witnesses of hope who demonstrate that following Christ brings true joy, and we should continuously ask the Lord for new labourers for his harvest.

Pilgrims of hope: embracing vocations

Pope Francis called on young people to embrace their vocations and contribute to the Church and society, highlighting the importance of accompaniment and discernment. He reminded them that their youth is not just an “in-between time”but the “now of God”, calling for a generous and faithful response to the gift of life.

Pope Francis encouraged young people to be ‘protagonists of the revolution of charity and service’, fostering a more compassionate and fraternal world [Christus Vivit, 174]. The presence of young people in difference areas of life will truly contribute to achieving this goal

Pastoral ministers and vocation directors should accompany young people with hope, patience, and trust, listening respectfully and helping them discern God’s presence in their journey [Message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2025].

The ‘now’ of God

Pope Francis views young people as active participants in the Church, urging them to embrace their roles as agents of change, witnesses of hope, and pilgrims on a journey of faith. He affirms that they are the “now of God” [Christus Vivit, Chapter 3] and that the Church needs them to be fully herself, as the Body of the Risen Lord in the world. The Church is sent to awaken, reawaken, and preserve hope.

To end this sharing, let me say that from World Youth Days to ordinary speeches, from his pilgrimages to Churches to visits in prisons, from the streets to cheerful exchanges in ordinary places, Pope Francis’ attention to the young echoed Jesus’ words when he reminded his audience that “whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me” [Mark 9: 37].

His ministry as a companion of the youth empowered the young ones to lead by example as well, as the Apostle Paul reminded his disciple: “let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity” [1 Timothy 4: 12].

Pope Francis loved the young people! For this, and for other beautiful memories in the other areas of your ministry, thank you Papa Francesco! You wanted a Church that is attentive to the young.

Dominique Mukonda CICM