Pope Francis said there is a worrying and complex increase in young people’s mental health challenges, while calling for an educational alliance that addresses the “not only cultural but anthropological metamorphosis” in society.
Pope Francis warned Saturday of a “worrying and complex” rise in young people’s mental health challenges, including self-harm and suicide, while calling for a new “educational alliance” to address what he described as a “metamorphosis.” not only cultural but anthropological” in society.
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When receiving members of the National Youth Council of Italy on November 16, the Pope emphasized the need for comprehensive support structures in the midst of what he called a “change of era” that affects young people.
“As we know, even from recent news, the challenges that concern you are many: the dignity of work, family, education, civic commitment, care for creation and new technologies,” said the Pontiff. in his speech.
“The increase in acts of violence and self-harm, even the most extreme gesture of taking one’s own life, are signs of a worrying and complex anguish,” Francis warned.
The pontiff’s statements come as the youth council celebrated its 20th anniversary. Francis took note with approval of the Fourth trust index surveywhich shows that hope remains the predominant “inner attitude” among young Italians.
“We often meet people who are disillusioned because they look to the future with skepticism and pessimism,” Francisco observed. “That is why it is important to know that young Italians can be artisans of hope because they are capable of dreaming.”
Calling for what he called an “education village,” the Pope urged the creation of networks of “open, human relations” that put the person at the center, while investing in the training of those who will serve the community.
The Holy Father connected his message to the upcoming Jubilee Year of 2025, which he announced with the words “Hope does not disappoint!”
Addressing youth representatives who serve as an advisory body at local, national and European levels, Francis emphasized their role in giving voice “to everyone, especially those who have no voice.”
The Pope highlighted the challenges, including the dignity of work, family life, education, civic commitment, care for the environment and new technologies.
The Pope concluded by referring to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, asking the youth leaders if they knew him and encouraging them to learn from “his coherence and his courage.”
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, born on April 6, 1901 into a prominent Italian family, died on July 4, 1925, aged 24.
The young Dominican of the Third Order could be declared a saint during the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church of 2025, according to recent statements by the prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Saint John Paul II, who declared Frassati patron of World Youth Days, called him “the man of the beatitudes” for exemplifying these blessings in his daily life. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Frassati has become “an important global patron of youth and young adults,” with special significance for young Catholics in the United States.
Anian Christoph Wimmer
Anian Christoph Wimmer, a multilingual Australian with Bavarian roots, is the editor-in-chief of CNA Deutsch. He held senior positions at Australia’s SBS and was editor-in-chief of the historic Münchner Kirchenzeitung. Graduated in Philosophy and Chinese Studies from the University of Melbourne, Anian Christoph Wimmer was on the jury for the Catholic Media Award of the German Bishops’ Conference and was an honorary researcher in Communications at the University of Melbourne. He has served on the Board of Directors of Caritas in Munich.