Pope Francis on Sunday called on young people around the world to be “joyful protagonists” in the life of the Church amidst global concerns.
During the Sunday Angelus, which coincided with the Solemnity of Christ the King, the pontiff stressed the importance of youth as both “the present and future” of the world.
Pope Francis encouraged the youth to actively participate and contribute to the life of the Church.
The pope also took a moment to acknowledge the solemn memorial of the Holodomor in Ukraine, a tragic genocide by starvation during the 1930s under the Soviet Union.
He expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, describing it as a “lacerating wound” exacerbated by the atrocities of war.
He called for “untiring” prayers for all people affected by conflicts globally, emphasizing the transformative power of prayer in fostering peace and reconciliation.
Pope Francis thanked the Creator for the recent truce between Israel and Palestine, highlighting the release of hostages and prisoners as a positive step.
However, he called for continued prayers for the complete freedom of all those affected, urging the international community to provide more humanitarian aid, particularly to Gaza.
He reiterated the importance of dialogue for achieving lasting peace, adding, “Those who do not want dialogue do not want peace.”
Looking forward to the upcoming COP28 conference on climate change in Dubai, Pope Francis warned of the urgent threat posed by climate change to life on Earth, particularly to future generations.
Pope Francis is set to make history by becoming the first Pope to attend a COP gathering when he arrives in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, December 1.
