Lombardi: WYD – The Third Generation

Editorial of Father Federico Lombardi, SJ
Director, Vatican Television Centre & Vatican Radio

WYD – The Third Generation

Cardinal Rouco Varela is the man who organized World Youth Day in Santiago di Compostela over 20 years ago, and he is about to host the next one in his diocese of Madrid. He is also the man who recently described the event as having involved three generations of young people.
The generation of the 1960’s confused revolutionary and libertarian ideas with their own personal contradictions. The generation of the 1980’s witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, experienced the charisma of John Paul II, and were more open to the spiritual dimension in their lives. The generation of the third millennium is the generation of the internet and social networks, the youth of the digital age.
That is a simplification, of course, but it is true that the world is changing rapidly and that young people are the first to feel and reflect this change in their lives, ideas and behaviour.
We are asked to join the Pope in Madrid, conscious that we are facing a new and important challenge: that of proclaiming Christ to the present generation, of inviting them to become the protagonists of this proclamation in the new areas of their lives – both geographically and virtually. It is an intimidating challenge but, as the theme of WYD reminds us, if we are grounded in Christ – “firm in Faith” – then we can move forward with confidence. Beginning with Christ, many generations of young people have succeeded in building a future of hope and joy.
The present generation should be no exception.