Pope Francis spoke to a group of young people and emphasized the importance of serving and helping others. He referred to St. John Paul II’s belief that living with young people keeps one young as well. When asked why he chose the theme “Mary arose and went with haste” for World Youth Day (WYD), the Pope explained that Mary’s immediate response to becoming the mother of God was to set out on a journey to serve and help others, rather than focusing on herself. He urged the young audience to learn from Mary’s example and to embark on their own journeys to assist others.
The Pope expressed his hope that WYD in Lisbon would sow the seeds for a better future for the world. He desires a world where love takes center stage, where people recognize their shared siblinghood. Pope Francis highlighted the current state of conflict and emphasized the need for something different. He called for a world that is unafraid to bear witness to the Gospel and stressed the importance of joy. According to the Pope, if Christians lack joy, their credibility suffers, and their message loses impact. He encouraged young people to embrace a joyful spirit and be a source of inspiration for others in the world.