Pope Francis Tells Young People To “Make a Mess!”

In an address to the youth on Monday, Pope Francis renewed his call for young Christians to invigorate their lives with the spirit of Christ, emphasizing, “Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” The pontiff said his message seeks to inspire action among young believers in a world rife with challenges and adversities.

Marking the fifth anniversary of his apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit,” Pope Francis reflected on the enduring relevance of Christ’s message, urging young people to embrace a life marked by faith and exuberance. “Walk with him as with a friend, welcome him into your life,” he said, encouraging a personal relationship with Christ to navigate the complexities of modern living.

Pope Francis also called for youth to be actively engaged in the Church’s mission, reiterating his famous directive: “Hagan lío! Make a mess!” He highlighted the importance of young people in shaping the Church, acknowledging their role as “the living hope of a Church on the move.” Through their unique contributions, he envisions a vibrant community of believers, continuously propelled by the joyous message of the risen Jesus.

Reflecting on the upcoming fortieth anniversary of the first World Youth Day initiated by Saint John Paul II, Pope Francis reminded them of their critical role in carrying forward a legacy of hope and resilience, embodied by the WYD Cross that symbolizes Jesus’s victory over death.

“And I encourage you never to leave us without your good way of ‘making a mess’,” Pope Francis concluded.

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