In anticipation of the upcoming World Youth Day, Pope Francis is actively listening to various testimonies from young people in a captivating new podcast.
This marks the Holy Father’s second appearance in this unique audio format with Vatican News, the first being released last March on the tenth anniversary of his pontificate.
Under the title “Popecast,” the podcast is published again in Italian, offering Pope Francis an opportunity to connect with young audiences through this increasingly popular communication platform. In the latest episode, released on July 25th, the Pope addresses the eagerly anticipated World Youth Day in Lisbon, encouraging attendees that it is an event “worth attending, worth taking a risk.” According to the Pontiff, “those who do not take risks in life do not move forward.”
In the podcast, the Pope starts by responding to the heartfelt testimony of Jonas, a young individual who identifies as “disabled, transgender, and believer,” expressing gratitude for receiving baptism.
Jonas shares his personal struggles, revealing, “I felt pressured by the dichotomy between faith and transgender identity.” The Pope compassionately assures him that “the Lord always walks with us, always. The Lord is not disappointed in any of us.”
He emphasizes that despite human imperfections, God extends His helping hand. “Even though we are sinners, He comes close to help us. The Lord is not put off by our realities; He loves us as we are. And that is God’s crazy love.”
Pope Francis further imparts words of encouragement, urging, “Don’t give up, keep moving forward.” He then attentively listens to the stories of two young gang members who turned to criminal activities due to poverty.
Acknowledging the fallibility of human beings, the Pope laments, “Often society is cruel because one mistake labels us for life.” He fervently encourages the young listeners, “Don’t be afraid to dream.”
The Pope reiterates that no one is alone on their journey, “not even when you made mistakes, the Lord was there. And the Lord was willing to hold your hand, to help you rise.” He underscores how our mistakes can lead to growth and introspection, paving the way for progress.
In response to a young girl struggling with bipolar disorder, the Pope offers comforting words, advising her “not to lose sight,” clarifying that “God is the horizon.”
After listening to a religion teacher’s testimony, the Holy Father emphasizes that “the Church is Church when it is on the journey. Otherwise, it is a religious sect closed in on itself.”
Lastly, a 9-year-old child proposes a heartwarming idea to Pope Francis – organizing a World Youth Day dedicated to young children. The Pope warmly responds, “I really like it! And we can ask the grandparents to organize it, a great idea. I will think about it and see how to do it.”
Pope Francis’s engagement with young people in this podcast offers an inspiring and empathetic approach, fostering meaningful connections ahead of the World Youth Day event, which promises to be a momentous occasion for young Catholics worldwide.
