Pope calls on youth to speak out for change
POPE FRANCIS used a Palm Sunday address to urge young people to make their voices heard, even in the face of corrupt or silent elders.
His message followed a meeting with young Catholics who told the Vatican they want a more transparent church, and came on the day after thousands marched in youth-led rallies across the United States to demand greater gun control. “The temptation to silence young people has always existed,” the Pope said.
“There are many ways to sedate them, to keep them from getting involved, to make their dreams flat and dreary, petty and plaintive.”
But he urged on the young, saying “you have it in you to shout”, even if “we older people and leaders, very often corrupt, keep quiet”.
As the Roman Catholic Church enters Holy Week, remembering the story of the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection on Easter Sunday, the Pope urged young people to join those who offer praise, rather than the masses who are calling for crucifixion.
“Dear young people, the joy that Jesus awakens in you is a source of anger and irritation to some, since a joyful person is hard to manipulate,” the pontiff said.
Some 300 young people visited the Vatican this week to prepare a document for next October’s synod of bishops, focusing on methods to help youths find their way in the church.
The document, which was presented to the Pope yesterday, asked church leaders to address the role of women in the church and how technology is abused.
Before his traditional Sunday prayer at the end of Mass, the Pope recalled the importance of World Youth Day – marked this year on Palm Sunday at a diocesan level rather than as a big international gathering.
He then led a solemn procession through the crowds to bless palm fronds and olive branches before greeting the cheering faithful in St Peter’s Square.