There is a special relationship between the Pope and young people. This 80-year-old man arouses excitement among millions of young people, and it is not difficult to understand the secret of this vital link. Pope Francis encourages young people to look to the future, to be courageous and to dream. But maybe the key is that he evokes, enhances and motivates in them all that is best in their hearts.
The exercise of his leadership is deeply rooted in an oratorian heart that was formed from his childhood with a profound and positive outlook which inspires confidence in the strength of youth. His first invitation to the young is unmistakably Salesian: "create a fuss and cause confusion.” "Going against the tide means not conforming but looking for better alternatives."
Yet the Pope reaches young people because he knows the deep significance they have for the transformation of society. He loves them deeply and he trusts them when he calls them "bearers of hope", "builders of the future", "merciful". These are words that can be spoken only by someone who loves the young and puts all his hope in them.
Young people know very well that the Pope encourages them to be brave, not to flee in the face of difficulties, but to walk with an eye on the future and to renew the Church of the present. "The Church wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivity, your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your cry heard. Let it resonate in your communities and let it be heard also by your pastors." (Translator's note - quote here: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2017/01/13/0022/ 00051.html).
The Pope invites young people to be realistic and to understand that “escaping from the challenges of life is never a solution. You must be understanding and aware. You must have faith and resist." Renewing the Church is not an easy task, you need to be united and conscious of the great plagues that afflict our society.
The Pope has called for a new synod, which will be for the Church and for us Salesians a special time of renewal, an invitation to walk together with young people and to dream with them of a renewed Church that is youthful, beautiful, credible, courageous and compassionate.
If we follow the Pope's advice, our communities will definitely be renewed by listening to young people, trying to find out what God is telling us through them.
The Pope's words to young people are also an invitation to the Salesians not to lose the ability to change and not to allow ourselves to be conditioned by structures or problems. Finally, Pope Francis says with the conviction of a Shepherd: "A better world is being built thanks to you, your desire to change and your generosity. Do not be afraid to listen to the Spirit who suggests bold choices. Do not delay when your conscience is asking you to take risks to follow the Master." (Translator's note - quote here: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino /pubblico/2017/01/13/0022/00051.html).
