Marking the solemnity of Christ the King and the close of the liturgical year, Pope Francis presided over Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, urging young Catholics to reject superficial acclaim and embrace authentic Christian witness.
The gathering included the annual World Youth Day observance and featured a handover of the pilgrim symbols — the WYD cross, first entrusted to youth by St. John Paul II in 1984, and the icon of Mary, known as Salus Populi Romani (Protection of the Roman People) — from Portuguese youth to their Korean counterparts, who will host WYD in Seoul in 2027.
As the Church’s liturgical year drew to a close, the pope reflected on how Christian joy and love persist even amid global challenges.
“Only in love can we live, grow, and flourish in our full dignity,” Francis said, emphasizing that genuine love cannot be bought or sold but “is free, it is the gift of oneself.”
The pontiff highlighted what he called “little lights” that give strength to Christian witness: “these little lights: the faithful affection of spouses — a beautiful thing; the innocent joy of children — this is a beautiful joy; the enthusiasm of young people — be enthusiastic, all of you; and care for the elderly.”
“Dear young people, be careful not to get carried away by illusions. Please be concrete because reality is concrete,” the pope said in his homily. “What remains, as Christ teaches us, is different: It is the works of love. This is what remains and what makes life beautiful!”
Addressing the pervasive pressure of social media and societal acclaim, Francis warned: “Do not be ‘stars for a day’ on social media or in any other context! You are called to shine in a wider sky.”
In a powerful passage on present conflicts, the pontiff posed piercing questions about accountability before God: “Those who oppress people, who make wars, what will their faces look like when they stand before the Lord? ‘Why did you start that war? Why did you commit murder?’ How will they respond?”
Against this backdrop of global challenges, Francis emphasized the vital role of young people in bearing witness to Christ’s message of peace and hope. The World Youth Day cross — a simple wooden cross given to youth by St. John Paul II in 1984 as a symbol of Christ’s love for humanity — has since traveled worldwide, becoming a powerful sign of faith and reconciliation.
Speaking to the Korean delegates receiving this historic cross, Francis said: “You, young Koreans, will receive the cross of Our Lord, the cross of life, the sign of victory, but you are not alone: You will receive it along with our Mother. It is Mary who always accompanies us on our journey toward Jesus. It is Mary who in difficult moments is beside our cross to help us, because she is our mother, she is Mum. Keep Mary in mind.”
Pope Francis highlighted the upcoming canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a model of youthful faith and charity, whose tireless devotion to God and service to the poor continues to inspire generations. The canonization will take place during the Jubilee for Youth in August 2025, offering young Catholics a powerful example of living out Christ’s love in action.
The Mass concluded with Portuguese youth handing over the WYD cross and the Marian icon to their Korean counterparts, symbolizing the continuing journey of faith toward WYD Seoul 2027.
Later, addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus prayer, Francis reflected on Jesus’ dialogue with Pontius Pilate, emphasizing Christ’s kingship as radically different from worldly power. The pope focused on two key words from the day’s Gospel reading: “king” and “world.”
“Jesus is a king insofar as he is a witness: He is the one who speaks the truth,” the pope said, per the official translation. “The kingly power of Jesus, the Word incarnate, lies in his true and effective word, that transforms the world.”
While Pilate’s world is “one where the strong triumph over the weak,” Francis explained, “Jesus’ world, indeed, is the new world, the eternal world, which God prepares for all by giving his life for our salvation.”
This article was originally published on Catholic News Agency.
