Pope asks Salesians to make youth agents of justice, peace

March 31, 2014 - Pope Francis on Monday told the Salesians of Don Bosco to accept the challenges of our time, especially of the young people, and make of them protagonists of the Church in building justice and peace. Welcoming some 250 Salesians participating in the society’s 27^th General Chapter in Rome on the theme, “Witnesses to the Radical Approach of the Gospel,” the Pope reminded them that the evangelization of youth, especially in educating them, is a journey of faith that grows, and that the Gospel enriches human maturation.

The Pope spoke about the urgency of preparing young people to work in society according to the spirit of the Gospel and transform them into agents of justice and peace as protagonists in the Church. Hence the need for cultural and pedagogical deepening and updating in order to respond to the current educational emergency. Pope Francis also urged the Salesians to try out new means of communicating, after the charism of their founder Don Bosco, but reminded them the language of the heart is what will help them come closer to young people and befriend them. The Pope also recalled some of the harsh realities of young people, such as joblessness and its negative consequences and addiction resulting mainly from the lack of true love. Going out in search of marginalized youth, calls for courage, human maturity and much prayer, the Pope said.
The Salesians were led by their new Rector Major or Superior General, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, elected by the current general chapter. The congregation is preparing for the second birth centenary of its founder, next year.