Pope Francis Encourages “Congrès Mission” Leaders to Spread Hope and Faith
Recently, Pope Francis met with the leaders of “Congrès Mission,” an initiative that originated in France ten years ago with the aim of promoting faith in today’s society. During the meeting, he encouraged them to proclaim the Gospel in the everyday lives of men and women. The Pope emphasized the importance of helping young people dream of a more fraternal future.
Lorena Leonardi – Vatican City
The Pope urged the leaders of “Congrès Mission” to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones and allow themselves to be moved by the Holy Spirit. He emphasized the need to spread the message of the Gospel creatively, reaching out to people wherever they may be, in their daily lives, joys, struggles, and questions. In a world plagued by wars, injustices, and individualism, Pope Francis underscored the importance of sharing hope as a gift that can withstand any challenge.
“Congrès Mission” and the Commitment to Evangelization
Pope Francis addressed the participants of “Congrès Mission,” an annual gathering that brings together hundreds of individuals to reflect on and share experiences related to evangelization. The upcoming event in Bercy, France, scheduled for November 7-9, 2025, was a focal point of the discussion. In light of the Jubilee Year, the Pope called on attendees to become witnesses of a hope that never disappoints, rooted in the joy of the Gospel that fills the hearts of those who encounter Jesus.
“Joy, dear friends, is inseparable from hope and from the mission; a joy that does not fade with time but arises from the encounter with Christ and directs us towards our brothers and sisters.”
The Word of the Gospel Opens New Paths
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of being pilgrims together in the Church and having the courage to reach out to others. Sharing hope, he said, involves offering a living word rooted in the Gospel that can console and pave the way for new opportunities. By embracing the mission with a passion for Jesus and His people, hope can be brought to communities where the Church may seem weary or withdrawn.
Hope Put to the Test
In a world marked by conflict, injustice, and individualism, Pope Francis acknowledged that hope is often challenged, leading to doubt, fear, and despair. However, he reminded Christians that Christ is our hope and the bearer of good news for the world. He stressed the importance of sharing this hope as a gift rather than possessing it for oneself.
“If hope is not shared, it fades away.”
The Pope encouraged the leaders of “Congrès Mission” to embrace the call to be missionaries, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing the chaos that comes with following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He highlighted the importance of fostering encounters between the young and the old, helping the youth discover Christ, grow in faith, make courageous choices, and become living witnesses of the Gospel.
Youth as the Harbingers of Hope
Quoting Blessed Father Chevrier, Pope Francis emphasized the value of disorder with love over order without it. He encouraged the leaders to inspire young people, who are the primary pilgrims of hope, longing for meaning, authenticity, and genuine connections. He urged them to instill in the youth the courage to dream of a more fraternal world and empower them to be artisans of hope in their families, schools, and workplaces.
Lastly, the Pope stressed the importance of maintaining unity in the mission, reminding everyone that it is through love for one another that the world recognizes us as disciples of Jesus. He urged them to care for each other, support one another in their efforts, and rejoice together in the fruits that the Spirit bears through their commitment.
