Pope Francis Urges Young People to Follow Jesus, Inspired by Blessed Carlo Acutis

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On February 3, 2025, Pope Francis delivered a special message to a group of Catholic pilgrims from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland during their pilgrimage to Rome. In his address, the pope pointed to the soon-to-be canonized Blessed Carlo Acutis as a model of joyful discipleship for young people today. He emphasized that Acutis’s life demonstrates that “the fullness of life” in today’s world is found in following Jesus.

As part of the 2025 Jubilee Year celebrations, Pope Francis reminded the pilgrims of Acutis’s imminent canonization on April 27. “This young saint of and for our times shows you, and all of us, how possible it is in today’s world for young people to follow Jesus, share his teachings with others, and so find the fullness of life in joy, freedom, and holiness,” the pope shared with the pilgrims. Acutis, who was known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and use of technology to spread the faith, is an inspiring figure for youth navigating the complexities of modern life.

In his speech, Pope Francis further encouraged young Catholics to embrace their roles in the Church, quoting from his apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit: “May the Holy Spirit urge you on … The Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them!” He called on them to use their unique contributions to strengthen the Church’s mission in today’s world.

Reflecting on the theme of the Jubilee Year—”Pilgrims of Hope”—Pope Francis expressed his prayer that the pilgrims’ hope would be renewed throughout their time in Rome. Despite the secularization faced by many countries, including those in the Nordic region, the pope noted the growth of the Catholic Church in these areas. “The Church in your lands, while small, is growing in numbers,” he observed, attributing this increase to the work of “generations of persevering pastors and people” and God’s faithfulness. According to the National Catholic Register, the Church in Nordic countries continues to experience annual growth, fueled by immigration, conversions, and thriving Catholic communities.

In his address, Pope Francis also reminded the pilgrims that their journey was not merely a visit to holy sites but part of their lifelong commitment to discipleship and evangelization. “As you visit the various holy sites in the Eternal City, especially the tombs of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, I also pray that your faith in the Lord Jesus, and your awareness of belonging to him and to one another in the communion of the Church, will be nourished and deepened,” the pope said.

The pope urged the pilgrims to take the spirit of their pilgrimage back home, stressing that faith is meant to be shared with others. “A pilgrimage does not end but shifts its focus to the daily ‘pilgrimage of discipleship’ and the call to persevere in the task of evangelization,” Pope Francis explained. He encouraged vibrant Catholic communities to collaborate with fellow Christians, particularly in the face of global challenges such as war, which have deeply scarred many parts of the world. “How much our human family needs a unified witness to the reconciliation, healing, and peace that can come only from God,” the pope concluded.

The pope’s message was clear: the greatest “work” of the Church is to transmit the Gospel, especially to those on the margins of society. “There can be no greater ‘work’ than transmitting the saving message of the Gospel to others,” Pope Francis emphasized, echoing his consistent call for the Church to be a place of outreach, compassion, and healing.

Through his address, Pope Francis reaffirmed the importance of young people in the Church’s mission, urging them to follow in the footsteps of Blessed Carlo Acutis and share the Gospel with joy and dedication in their everyday lives.

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