I’m writing to you, dear young people, with paternal affection

Dear young people,

“I wanted you to be the centre of attention, because you are in my heart,” as ” a Father who invites you to ‘go’, to set out towards a future which is unknown but one which will surely lead to fulfilment, a future towards which He Himself accompanies you. I invite you to hear God’s voice resounding in your heart through the breath of the Holy Spirit.”

Following the example of Abraham’s call, the “new land for us today” is “a more just and friendly society which you, young people, deeply desire and wish to build to the very ends of the earth.”

“Jesus looks at you and invites you to go with him… This will be possible to the extent that, even with professional guides, you will learn how to undertake a journey of discernment to discover God’s plan in your life.”

“I asked you several times: ‘Can we change things?’ And you shouted: ‘Yes!’. Listen to the cry arising from your inner selves!”

“The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds of souls.”

“I entrust you to Mary of Nazareth, a young person like yourselves, whom God beheld lovingly, so she might take your hand and guide you to the joy of fully and generously responding to God’s call with the words: ‘Here I am’.”

FRANCIS

Read the entire letter

https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/letters/2017/documents/papa-francesco_20170113_lettera-giovani-doc-sinodo.html

Press Conference for the presentation the Preparatory Document of the XV General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on young people, 13/01/2017

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2017/01/13/0023/00055.html

SYNOD OF BISHOPS  – XV ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Young people, faith and vocation discernment
PREPARATORY DOCUMENT

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2017/01/13/170113a.html