Pope Francis’s meeting with young people of different religions, at the conclusion of his visit to Asia, filled their hearts with light, hope and great joy. His ability to speak to the heart and touch the deepest chords of the soul made the event an important opportunity to return to what matters most: walking together toward God without dwelling on what… might divide us.
The right age to “take risks”
On Friday, September 13, before boarding the plane to Singapore, Francis met young people of different religions. With his characteristic unpredictability, the Pope set aside his prepared speech and spoke spontaneously. The words that flowed from his heart restored to the young people a sense of their importance and uniqueness. He began with school, which is called to transform students into “a thinker with a mission, a leader with a heart,” but immediately afterward he addressed the young people directly: “Do not be afraid. A young person who does not take risks is old and puts on weight. But not around the waist - in the head.”
Dialogue to move forward
In front of Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and other young people, Francis urges dialogue - constructive dialogue, the kind that allows everyone to move forward, each with their own originality, toward God. Only dialogue opens paths to understanding, peace and communion. The different languages used by different religions must serve to build bridges capable of helping us all rediscover that we are brothers and sisters, all children of God. But to do this, “courage is needed, and youth is the age of courage.” The courage to look the other person in the eye and truly meet them, without taking refuge in the world of social media until becoming enslaved by it.
Diversity as a place of encounter
In front of young people, the Pope also addressed a reality that, unfortunately, too often generates pain and despair: bullying. Francis condemns it in the name of the respect owed to everyone. With his characteristic warmth, the Pontiff elicits a smile by saying: “But we all have abilities and disabilities. Even the Pope,” and on the basis of this awareness, every form of bullying is rejected: “And just as we have our disabilities, we must respect the disabilities of others.”
Respect and courage
Respect for all people, whatever their circumstances, also helps interreligious dialogue, which must always be based on respect for others. Francis believes in young people and therefore entrusts them with an important mission: “If you engage in dialogue as young people, you will also engage in dialogue as adults, citizens, and politicians. The first thing a dictator does is eliminate dialogue. So I wish you the courage to take risks. It is better to take risks and make mistakes than to stay at home and not make mistakes.”
Pope Francis addressed crucial issues - dialogue, respect, and courage - for the growth of today's young people and tomorrow's adults, crucial issues for the journey of every child of God who chooses each day to live and make their life a true masterpiece!
