Pope Francis Inspires Young People at Med24 Meeting in Tirana
Addressing the participants of the Med24 Meeting in Tirana, Pope Francis sent a powerful video message, urging the youth to embrace their role as stewards of peace, unity, and fraternity.
By Vatican News
In his message titled “Pilgrims of Hope, Builders of Peace,” Pope Francis highlighted the importance of hope and peace in shaping the future of communities in Albania and the Mediterranean region. He fondly recalled his visit to Albania in 2014 and praised the country’s people for their diverse yet united spirit.
Emphasizing the need to build peace together, the Pope stated, “We are all pilgrims of hope, walking in search of the truth, living our faith, and building peace – because peace needs to be built!” He stressed the significance of fraternity and urged the youth to embrace cultural and religious diversity as a gift from God.
Unity in diversity is key, according to Pope Francis, who encouraged the young participants to show mutual respect and cooperation, especially towards marginalized groups like migrants. He called for a culture of care, friendship, and solidarity, urging them to reject indifference.
Describing the Mediterranean as a symbolic garden connecting its inhabitants, the Pope highlighted the region’s responsibility to foster unity and peace. He honored the courage of martyrs like Blessed Maria Taci as examples of resistance against violence.
In his closing remarks, Pope Francis invoked the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and urged the youth to follow her example as “restless pilgrims of hope.” He prayed for the transformation of the Mediterranean into a place of unity and hope, free from violence and full of fraternity.
The message from Pope Francis at the Med24 Meeting serves as a powerful reminder for young people to embrace their roles as builders of peace, champions of unity, and stewards of hope in a world that desperately needs these values.
