Pope Francis will be remembered not only as a leader of the global Church but also as a shepherd of the young. From his earliest days as pope, he captured the hearts of young people worldwide with a message that was clear, consistent, and empowering: You are not the future of the Church—you are the Church now.
From Rio de Janeiro in 2013 to Kraków, Panama, and Lisbon, Francis never missed a World Youth Day (WYD). He walked alongside the youth, listened to their questions, and encouraged their dreams. His presence was not symbolic—it was deeply pastoral. In each encounter, he called young people to be “protagonists of change,” urging them to build a better world rooted in faith, hope, and love.
For Clyde Ericson Nolasco, a grade school teacher and content manager at Dominus Est in the Philippines, the experience of seeing Francis at WYD Lisbon, Portugal, 2023 was unforgettable.
“Francis reminds me constantly that God is everywhere and in everyone,” Nolasco shared. “He expressed compassion for all, regardless of status or gender, and affirmed that even in the digital world, God’s love is present. He broke down all borders to bring the message of God's love to everyone.”
Francis’ engagement with youth was never limited to major events. He initiated The Economy of Francesco, a global dialogue with young economists and changemakers, inviting them to reimagine economic systems rooted in justice, sustainability, and human dignity. With such initiatives, he empowered young people not only to dream but to act.
"He helped me understand that being young and Catholic means being brave,” Nolasco added. “Francis showed us that faith and technology are not opposed. He saw the digital world as a mission field and youth as missionaries of hope.”
Across Asia, where young Catholics face social transitions and challenges, Francis' encouragement has been a guiding light. His unwavering trust in young people has ignited movements of compassion, creativity, and courageous leadership in the Church.
“Taos pusong pasasalamat, Lolo Kiko,” Nolasco said with heartfelt gratitude, using the Filipino term of endearment for Francis. “Thank you for making us feel loved and included. Your words reassured us that we are never alone—that God, our Father, will never abandon His children.”
Though Francis will not be present at the next World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, 2027, his spirit lives on in every young person he inspires. In Asia and beyond, his legacy continues through youth who carry his message forward: to serve, to love, and to lead with Christ at the center.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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