Facing the future with smiles of hope

Pope Francis met with young people three times during his long Apostolic Journey in Asian countries, which has just come to an end. In Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore, the Holy Father was surrounded by thousands of young people, to whom he addressed words that resonate in the hearts of every young person in the world: “Do not stop smiling. Young people make up the majority of the population of this land, and your presence fills this land with life, hope and a future. Do not lose the enthusiasm of faith.”

Papua New Guinea: you must have the restlessness of heart to care for others

On 9 September, the Pope expressed his gratitude to the young people who came to greet him at the “Sir John Guise” stadium in Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea: “Thank you for your joy and for recounting the beauty of Papua ‘where the ocean meets the sky, where dreams are born and challenges vanish’. Above all, thank you for setting before all of us a hopeful desire: ‘to face the future with smiles of hope!’” The Holy Father urged the youth of Papua New Guinea to stay united and learn to overcome indifference towards others: “Confronted with the variety of languages that divide and disperse, we need one language to help bring us together.” And again, “You who are young must have the restlessness of heart to care for others.”

Timor-Leste: face difficult times responsibly

On 11 September, at the Dili Convention Centre, Pope Francis urged young people to be alert and vigilant in the face of the serious scourge of drugs and alcoholism: “Be on your guard. Because there are those who call themselves peddlers of happiness. They sell you drugs and so many things that only make you happy for only half an hour. You know this better than me, don’t you? You know this situation better than me.”

Finally, on both occasions Pope Francis emphasized the importance of taking care of our common home, cultivating family unity, and committing to learn how to face difficult times responsibly, following the example of grandparents and the elderly in their communities.

Singapore: interreligious dialogue requires the courage of young people

Before returning to the Vatican City, Pope Francis met with young people involved in promoting religious dialogue in Singapore. To foster dialogue between different religions, the Pope urged respect and courageous dialogue, as only the heart of the young know how to do. At the end, a silent prayer concluded the meeting in an atmosphere of emotion and joy.