For young people today, trying to find a path to holiness in a hostile world is increasingly difficult. Last year, the Church held a Synod on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment, where Bishops from across the world gathered to discuss this issue. Now Pope Francis shares this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation in the form a Letter to Young People and to the Entire People of God.
Written to inspire young people in their faith, the Pope writes in an engaging and highly readable way, drawing from young saints and biblical figures, and even the youth of Jesus himself to remind them – and the entire Christian faithful – that their voice must be listened to.
Yet the Pope also has some guidance to offer young people, exploring vocation discernment and encouraging friendship with Jesus. He additionally addresses the Church as a whole, reminding us of the youthfulness the Church should embody, while also considering how to renew youth ministry and emphasising the importance of attracting young people to the Church.
This is an important document to be read by anyone – young people, those involved in youth ministry, and all those who wish to help pave the way to a mission-focused Church that keeps her ears open to the fresh voices and ideas of young people.
