In the face of violence in the world, Pope Francis encourages young people to walk in hope

In a current context in which “many countries are marked by violence and war,” Pope Francis’ call for young people is to “walk in hope.”

This is the message of the Holy Father on the occasion of the 47th European Youth Meeting, organized by the Taizé Community in Tallinn (Estonia) from December 28, 2024 to January 1, 2025.

He message bears the signature of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, who assured the young people that “Pope Francis sends a cordial greeting to you, as well as to the brothers of the community, to the leaders of the different Christian confessions in Estonia and to all the people of good will who welcome them at the end of the year.”

The cardinal recalled that “during his apostolic trip to the three Baltic countries in 2018, the Holy Father met with young people in the Lutheran church of Kaarli, in Tallinn, and had these words who also describe what they are experiencing these days: ‘It is always good to get together, share life testimonies, express what we think and want; and it is very nice to be together, those of us who believe in Jesus Christ.’”

Cardinal Parolin noted that “coming together in a spirit of sharing and fraternity: this is even more important in the current context, when our world is going through serious challenges.”

“Many countries are marked by violence and war, many people are victims of inhuman treatment and others are disoriented by the inequalities of our societies and ecological dangers,” he noted.

“These days, however, in Tallinn we want to ‘hope beyond all hope’, according to the title of the letter that Brother Mateo, prior of Taizé, wrote for next year.”

“This appeal, in tune with the theme of the jubilee year that will mark this year 2025, is also addressed to each and every one of you: ‘Walk in hope! Hope overcomes all fatigue, all crisis and all anxiety, giving us strong motivation to move forward, because this hope is a gift that we receive from God himself. He fills all our time with meaning, illuminates our path, shows us the direction and goal of our life,’” he said, quoting the message from Pope Francis for the 39th World Youth Day.

Cardinal Parolin assured the young people that “the Holy Father is counting on you and reaffirms the trust that the Church places in you, because the universal Church needs all of you to announce today the good news of the love of God.”

“This is also the meaning of the synodal approach initiated by the Catholic Church and which has led to great progress in ecumenical friendship with our brothers and sisters of different Christian denominations,” he said.

“Entrusting each of you and your families to the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Pope Francis wholeheartedly grants you the apostolic blessing and entrusts himself to your prayers,” he concluded.