Pope Francis urges youth in Assisi to embody Gospel values

Pope Francis addressed a crowd of young people in Assisi on 29 April, urging them to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. He spoke at the Basilica of San Francesco, where the saint’s life is celebrated, and called the youth to commit themselves to a “civilization of love” that mirrors Christ’s example.

Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan order in the 13th century. The city has long been a pilgrimage site for those who admire his devotion to poverty, peace, and the environment. Pope Francis has been focusing on youth in recent months, visiting schools and churches across Italy and speaking at the World Youth Day in 2023. His message has centred on solidarity, climate action and the need for young people to become active agents of change.

The pope’s speech highlighted the “first signs” of love that young people have already shown through self‑less giving, community projects and activism. He said that in the image of Christ they can transform countless peacemakers. The audience, estimated at 1,200 youth and 3,000 visitors, responded with applause and a wave of selfies. A 16‑year‑old from Rome said the address “reminded me that I can make a difference, even if it’s small.” The pope also referenced the 2024 Youth Summit, which will be held in Rome, inviting the younger generation to shape the Church’s future.

The call comes as the Vatican prepares to launch a new “Youth Action Plan” that will fund climate‑friendly projects and support youth ministries worldwide. Pope Francis will travel to Rome next week to meet with the youth leaders gathered for the summit. The speech is part of a broader effort to empower young people to lead the Church’s mission of love and peace in a world that needs them now more than ever.