The Face of Mercy / Daniel Conway

Pope Francis reaches out and seeks to engage young people

Pope Francis is 80 years old, but most people would agree that he is young at heart. His smile, the spring in his step—even when he limps slightly—and the joy that he brings to every occasion give witness to his youthful spirit.

Francis is a pope who regularly reaches out to young people. He truly enjoys being in the presence of the young, and he is energized by the positive spirit and enthusiasm of youth and young adults.

Last month, the Vatican announced that in October 2018 a Synod of Bishops will take place to address the topic: “Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment.” Pope Francis wants young people to be the center of attention, he says, “Because you are in my heart.”

Synods are for bishops, but Pope Francis is determined to make this particular synod an opportunity for young people to become engaged in the life of the Church, and for the adults who are called to serve them to listen attentively and accompany members of “the young Church” on their journey to a mature, informed and fully lived faith.

“I am reminded of the words which God spoke to Abraham,” the pope says in his letter to young people: “ ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you’ (Gn 12:1). These words are now also addressed to you. They are words of a Father who invites you to ‘go,’ to set out toward a future which is unknown but one which will surely lead to fulfillment, a future toward which he himself accompanies you.” Pope Francis makes the words of the Father personal: “I invite you to hear God’s voice resounding in your heart through the breath of the Holy Spirit.”

The intention of Pope Francis is not to encourage young people to distance themselves from their families or withdraw from the world. Instead, the pope explains that God’s call to Abraham was intended to be a compelling invitation, a challenge, to leave everything and go to a new land in order to renew the Earth and establish a new community, the chosen people of God. “What is this new land for us today,” the pope asks, “if not a more just and friendly society which you, young people, deeply desire and wish to build to the very ends of the Earth?”

Unfortunately, today, “Go!” can also have a different meaning, namely, that of the consequences of the abuse of power, injustice and war. Many young people today are subjected to the real threat of violence and forced to flee their native lands. “Their cry goes up to God, like that of Israel,” the pope teaches, “when the people were enslaved and oppressed by Pharaoh” (cf. Ex 2:23).

“Jesus looks at you and invites you to go with him,” the pope says. “Dear young people, have you noticed this look toward you? Have you heard this voice? Have you felt this urge to undertake this journey? I am sure that, despite the noise and confusion seemingly prevalent in the world, this call continues to resonate in the depths of your heart so as to open it to joy in its fullness. This will be possible to the extent that, even with professional guides, you will learn how to undertake a journey of discernment to discover God’s plan in your life. Even when the journey is uncertain and you fall, God, rich in mercy, will extend his hand to pick you up.”

The October 2018 Synod of Bishops will not simply be an opportunity for bishops to talk about the needs of young people. A questionnaire approved by Pope Francis will be distributed to young people in every corner of the globe. The responses will be shared with all who are preparing for the synod—especially young people serving as advisers and planners.

During the nearly two years of preparation for “Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment,” the active involvement of young people ages 16-29 (plus or minus) will shape the synod, and help the bishops and other participants listen attentively and learn more about the gifts and challenges of the young Church.

Walking with young people is one of Pope Francis’s deepest desires. May the Holy Family of Nazareth guide the pope and his young companions every step of this journey!
 

(Daniel Conway is a member of The Criterion’s editorial committee.) †