Pope tells youth that without Jesus, “there is no signal. Talking becomes impossible”
In a video message to the boys and girls taking part in the Jubilee for Teens, Pope Francis stressed forgiveness and works of mercy, even for “Young people like yourselves, who are hungry, thirsty; who are refugees or foreigners or sick and in need of our help, and friendship.”
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis sent a video message to some 60,000 teenagers who had gathered in Rome’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday evening – singing, dancing, exchanging stories – to celebrate the start of the Jubilee for Teens.
Earlier in the morning, the pontiff had joined about 150 priests in St Peter’s Square to confess the teens. Francis himself heard the confessions (pictured) of 16 boys and girls between 11.30 am and 12.45 pm.
In his video, the pontiff stressed that, “when Jesus is not in our life, there is no signal. Talking becomes impossible, and we turn inward”. The Holy Father invited the youth to come to Mass on Sunday morning, highlighting the need for forgiveness and works of mercy.
“You have gathered for a moment of celebration and joy,” he told them. “I was not able to come and I am sorry.” Instead, “I decided to greet you through this video. I would have loved to have come to the Stadium, but I could not do . . .
“I thank you for having accepted the invitation to come here to celebrate the Jubilee in Rome. This morning you turned St Peter's Square in a big confessional and went through the Holy Door. Do not forget that the Door points to an encounter with Christ, who introduces us to the father’s love and asks us to become merciful as He is merciful.
“Tomorrow, we shall celebrate Mass together. It was right that there also be a place to get together with joy and listen to some important stories, which can help you grow in faith and life."
"I know you have a bandana with the words about corporal works of mercy. Put those works in your head because they are the style of Christian life. As you know, the works of mercy are simple deeds that belong to everyday life, and allow us to recognise the Face of Jesus in the faces of so many people. Young people too! Young people like yourselves, who are hungry, thirsty; who are refugees or foreigners or sick and in need of our help, and friendship.
“Being merciful also means being able to forgive. And this is not easy, right? Sometimes it happens that, in one’s family, at school, in the parish, at the gym, or whilst we are having fun, someone does something and we feel offended. Or, maybe in a nervous moment we too offend someone else.
“Let us not be angry or wish for revenge! It serves no purpose! It is like a worm that eats away at our soul and does not allow us to be happy. Let us forgive! Let us forgive and forget the offence we received, so that we may understand Jesus’ teaching and be his disciples and witnesses of mercy.”
"Boys and girls! How many times have I try to phone a friend but could not get through because there was no signal. I am sure this has also happened to you, that your mobile phone failed to pick up the signal in some places . . .
“Well, remember that when Jesus is not in our life, there is no signal. Talking becomes impossible, and we turn inward. Let us be where there is a signal! In our families, parishes, or schools, so that we can always have something good and true to say in this world.
“Now, let me say goodbye to you. My wish is that you experience this moment with joy and I am waiting to see all of you tomorrow in St Peter's Square. Bye!"
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