Daniel del Castillo González
Pope Leo XIV arrived for the second time of his pontificate in the land of St. Francis of Assisi.
He arrived at 8:28 a.m. and was greeted by local authorities and the bishop of the Diocese of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino.
The son of St. Augustine then spent considerable time with the faithful waiting in the square outside the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, where St. Francis found his vocation at the Porziuncola.
The meeting wrapped up the Go! Event, which brought together more than 2,000 members of Franciscan youth groups.
Then it was the young people's turn. They spoke with Leo XIV not only as pope, but also as a spiritual guide.
They asked about Franciscan spirituality, what it means to be a faithful Christian, and about his own journey to the priesthood.
LEO XIV
Breaking free from the culture of power and building a civilization of love is not immediately understood or accepted. From St. Francis, however, learn the radical nature of the Gospel, which is the opposite of fundamentalism: it does not make us blind or violent, but rather sensitive and attentive, always following Jesus, and therefore humble and welcoming toward everyone. It is not easy, but it brings great joy.
Giovanni is a young man from Bologna who confided in Leo XIV about his fears and indecision. To encourage him, the pope pointed to his own vocation as an example.
LEO XIV
In my experience, I can say that the Lord has never left me alone. He has always been with me, even giving me people to walk alongside. Thus, in my vocation as a priest, a member of the Augustinian community, and a missionary, I found a light that has guided me to this day, until the moment when I had to say "yes" to a very special calling: that of becoming pope.
Before heading inside the Basilica to celebrate Mass, the pope entrusted the young people to the Church as their mother, acknowledging its mistakes and crises, yet recognizing that it is the place where Christ acts, always acknowledging and healing their wounds.
