2016-07-29 13:40:00

Pope inspires confidence and courage in young people at WYD


(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis welcomed young people gathered in Krakow for World Youth Day, in an official ceremony on Thursday evening.

Vatican Radio’s Lydia O’Kane, who is in Poland with Pope Francis, spoke with Bishop John Keenan from the Diocese of Paisley, who has travelled from Scotland with a group of young pilgrims, immediately after the ceremony to gauge the reaction to the Pope’s words.

Listen:

Bishop Keenan referred to Pope Francis’ “beautiful words”, which encouraged young people to celebrate their faith, particularly in this jubilee year of mercy. He inspired them to believe that they can change the world for the better, instilling in them a “great joy and trust” and giving them the confidence and courage to make a difference.

Pope Francis is the leader that young people can follow, says Bishop Keenan. His words were “a genuine dialogue” with the young pilgrims who gathered in Krakow, who responded to the Pope’s call to be strong. Pope Francis reminded the young people that it is not those who fall who fail, but those who forget to get up, and encouraged those gathered to turn to the mercy of Jesus in times of need.

Young people who have come together for World Youth Day, have been “blown away” said Bishop Keenan. He explained that nowadays, many young people “live their faith in isolation”, and many view it as an escape from reality. He emphasized Pope Francis’s message of community, encouraging young people to “stick together” when they return home. He concluded that “we can do anything when we are together in Christ”.

 








All the contents on this site are copyrighted ©.