Pope Francis Inspires Unity and Hope Among Young People in Singapore
During an interreligious meeting at Singapore’s Catholic Junior College, Pope Francis shared a message of unity and hope with over 600 young participants from various faiths and organizations. This event marked the conclusion of his 45th Apostolic Journey, where he also visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.
The young people present made a commitment to work towards unity and hope by reciting the “Pledge of the Future Generation”. Pope Francis emphasized the importance of cooperation, friendship, and harmonious co-existence among people of diverse beliefs.
Embracing Dialogue and Moving Forward
Pope Francis engaged in dialogue with the youth, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and offer constructive criticism. He stressed the significance of dialogue as a tool for citizenship and community building, highlighting how dictatorships often silence this essential process.
“If you dialogue as young people, then you will be able to do so as citizens and as members of a community.”
Addressing the fear of making mistakes, the Holy Father reassured the youth that errors are a natural part of growth, urging them to recognize their missteps and start anew. He also cautioned against becoming enslaved by technology and social media, emphasizing the need for balance.
Embracing Diversity and Sharing God’s Love
As the event concluded, Pope Francis invited everyone to pray together and reflect on their roles as future leaders and grandparents. He emphasized that God is present in all faiths and that all religions serve as paths to reaching Him. The Pope expressed gratitude for the young people’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and encouraged them to continue respecting one another.
As the youth left the event, they carried with them a message of unity, hope, and a deep sense of responsibility to work towards a brighter future. Through their dedication to dialogue and understanding, they embodied Pope Francis’ call to embrace diversity and share the love of God with all.
