In a video message, Pope Francis has called upon young people who participated in World Youth Day (WYD) to preserve the memories of their experiences and avoid relegating them to the archives of the past. The Holy Father emphasized that these memories should not be “anesthetized” or merely stored in a photo album.
“Do you still retain the memories of WYD?” Pope Francis queried in a video released by the Holy See’s Press Office. He stressed that these memories should not remain confined to the past or become mere relics in a photo album. Instead, he encouraged the youth to keep these memories alive by sharing their experiences with others, comparing it to a family that remains vibrant through its descendants.
The Pope’s words resonated deeply: “This memory you experienced during the event, keep it alive. Do not anesthetize it, do not put it in the album of past memories.” He went on to invite young people to recount their experiences not only in the workplace but also at school or university, to convey their personal emotions, and to serve as missionaries, disseminators, and witnesses of their experiences.
In conclusion, Pope Francis expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their testimony, emphasizing the profound impact that their shared memories could have on the world.
