The Vatican-approved YOUCAT Foundation has released a newly unearthed foreword by Pope Francis for its forthcoming youth catechism volume Love Forever.
Believed to be among his final written texts, the letter addresses young Catholics grappling with contemporary views on love and lifelong commitment.
Francis opens with a personal memory: “In my homeland of Argentina, there is a dance I love very much, the tango,” using the dance to illustrate disciplined yet joyful partnership.
He applauds couples who promise “I want to love you until death do us part,” yet immediately acknowledges high divorce rates after “three, five, seven years.”
The pope urges readers: “Believe in love, believe in God, and believe that you are capable of taking on the adventure of a love that lasts a lifetime.”
Citing Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:8, he reaffirms Church teaching that spouses become “one flesh,” warning youth that “love is not something to take lightly.”
To strengthen unions, Francis proposes a multi-year “marriage catechumenate,” a theme he first advanced in his 2016 apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia on family life.
Following the pontiff’s April 2025 death, the YOUCAT Foundation says a successor pope will provide a new preface, while Francis’ text continues circulating online for study and reflection.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord! 🙏Â
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