Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis made it a hallmark of his mission to uplift and empower young people, seeing them not just as the future of the Church but as its vibrant present.
He consistently called on the youth to be “protagonists of change” and builders of a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.
From his first World Youth Day (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, where he boldly proclaimed, “Go, do not be afraid, and serve,” to the latest gathering in Lisbon in 2023, where he assured young people that “In the Church, there is room for everyone,” Pope Francis connected deeply with the youth across generations and continents. In Kraków (2016), Panama (2019), and Lisbon (2023), his messages were powerful calls to action, urging youth to break free from apathy, dream big, and transform society through love and faith.
His declaration at WYD Panama—“You“ are not the future, but the now of” God”—marked a shift in how the Church engages with young people. It was a clear affirmation of their active role in shaping the present and future of the Church and the world.
Pope Francis also encouraged youth leadership through initiatives like The Economy of Francesco, a global movement uniting young economists and entrepreneurs to envision a new economic model grounded in justice, sustainability, and human dignity. His words to them were filled with hope: “You young people, with the help of God, know what to do… you have a vision of the future that is not only economic, but also social, relational, and spiritual.”
He further elaborated on his vision for young people in Christus Vivit, his 2019 apostolic exhortation, writing, “The Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith.” His deep trust in young people was not just rhetorical—it was pastoral, intentional, and consistent.
As the Church prepares for the next World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027, Pope Francis’ legacy lives on. The theme—“Take courage, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)—reflects the enduring spirit of his message. In his parting message, he encouraged the youth of Asia and the world: “Have courage! Have the courage to bear witness to the hope that we need more than ever today.”
Though Pope Francis will not be physically present at the upcoming WYD, his voice and vision continue to echo through the lives of the young people he inspired. His legacy of youth empowerment remains one of the most transformative aspects of his papacy—a legacy that challenges and inspires the Church to rise, serve, and love with Christ at the center.
