Pope Francis sent a video message to young people registered for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, and calls them to prepare themselves to encounter others and grow in hope.
World Youth Day (WYD) will be in Lisbon, Portugal, from the 1st to the 6th of August. Pope Francis has sent his encouragement to participants registered for the event.
The Vatican released his video message released on May 4th, in it Pope praised the excitement the young Catholics feel.
“I can imagine the things you must have on your mind,” he said, “how you’re going to: make it happen, request your work or study permit, get what you need for your trip, so many concerns!”
The Pope urged the young people to “look toward the horizon” by using their excitement and hope as a stepping stone.
Pope Francis acknowledged that taking part in WYD is “a beautiful thing” built on the hope of events that will unfold.
“Prepare yourselves with that enthusiasm,” he told the young people. “Have hope, because one grows a lot at an event like WYD.”
They may not realize it yet, he said, but the young people can expect to discover wonderful new things as they meet people from other parts of the world and build relationships founded on common values.
The Pope said the Church is blessed to enjoy the “strength of youth”, and so he encouraged participants in WYD to prepare well for what lies ahead.
He also shared with them a “secret” for a proper preparation.
“In order to prepare well,” he said, “it helps to look to your roots by meeting with your elders”, such as grandparents.
Participants in the upcoming WYD in Lisbon should ask their grandparents: “What do you think I must do?”
Our elders, concluded Pope Francis, “will give you wisdom.”
And he wrapped up his video message by encouraging the young people to “strive ahead”, saying he is looking forward to encountering them in Lisbon.
Edited from Vatican News
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