Pope advises African bishops to focus on youth

September 12, 2014

“I urge you to be apostles for the youth in your dioceses,” Pope Francis said in a September 12 address to visiting bishops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Pope emphasized pastoral work with young people, both as a way to build the nation’s future and as a protection for children menaced by warfare and poverty. He spoke with special emphasis about the need to protect children from recruitment into military forces.

By training young people in the Gospel virtues, the Church can promote long-term peace, the Pontiff said. Also, he remarked: “The most effective way to overcome violence, inequality and ethnic divisions is to equip the young with a critical mind and to offer them the opportunity to mature an understanding of Gospel values.”

Pope Francis also encouraged the African bishops, who were making their ad limina visit, to give high priority to pastoral work with families.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis' address to Catholic Bishops of DR Congo (Vatican Radio)
• To the bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo: work for a society based on respect for the dignity of the person (VIS)