Pope Francis has extended his warmest greetings to the young participants of the 47th European Youth Meeting organized by the Taizé Community in Tallinn, Estonia, from December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025. This message, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, underscores the importance of unity and hope in challenging times.
In his message, Pope Francis reminds about his Apostolic Journey to the Baltic States in 2018, where he highlighted the significance of communal gatherings, stating, “It is always good to meet, to share our life stories, and to share with one another our thoughts and hopes; it is wonderful, too, for us to come together as believers in Jesus Christ.” This sentiment echoes the spirit of the meeting in Tallinn, where young people from various Christian confessions gather in a shared spirit of fraternity.
The Pope’s message comes at a time when the world faces numerous challenges, including violence, war, inhumane treatment, social inequalities, and ecological threats. He encourages the youth to embody the theme of the upcoming Jubilee Year, “Walk in hope!”, emphasizing that hope is a divine gift that inspires perseverance and provides direction and meaning to life.
Pope Francis places significant trust in the youth, stating that “the universal Church needs all of you to proclaim the good news of God’s love today.” He also acknowledges the strides made in ecumenical dialogue through the synodal process within the Catholic Church, fostering unity among different Christian denominations.
Concluding his message, the Holy Father entrusts the participants and their families to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and imparts his apostolic blessing, while also asking for their prayers.
