By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Apr 27, 2025 / 17:45 pm
In a heartfelt video message released posthumously, recorded in January, Pope Francis imparted wise words of advice to young people, urging them to focus on mastering the art of listening.
Shared by the Italian magazine “Oggi,” the video surfaced just a day following the funeral service of Pope Francis, who passed away at the Vatican on April 21.
The video captured a moment from January 8 when Pope Francis engaged with a group of teenagers and young adults participating in “Listening Workshops,” an initiative started by the Italian Luca Drusian.
According to Vatican Media, the purpose of these workshops is to provide a platform for young individuals to engage in discussions while appreciating the importance of attentive listening and being heard.
In the recording, taken at his Santa Marta residence, Pope Francis emphasized the significance of listening. He advised the youth, “When someone speaks to you, wait for them to finish so you can truly understand, and then, if you feel inclined, respond. But remember, the key is to listen,” he added, cautioning against the tendency to hastily provide answers.
The pontiff highlighted the lack of genuine listening in society, stating, “observe closely, people don’t listen. They interrupt halfway through a conversation, hindering the peace process.”
