Pope Francis stands next to Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, as he speaks to journalists aboard his flight from Rome to Krakow, Poland, July 27. The Pope sends a video message specifically to those who couldn't afford to attend World Youth Day back in Havana, Cuba, July 29. CNS photo/Paul Haring

'Make trouble' by creating culture of respect, Pope tells Cuban youths

By  Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service
  • July 29, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Fear nothing, break the chains that may bind you and bring hope to the world, Pope Francis told young people attending a special World Youth Day gathering in Cuba.

Let the Gospel transform your lives so that you can build bridges and promote a culture of encounter, respect, mutual understanding and forgiveness, the Pope said in a video message sent July 28.

"This is 'making trouble,' this is to dream. And you young people have to 'make trouble,'" he said. The Vatican released a transcript of the message July 29.

To help young Cubans who couldn't afford the trip to World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, feel more connected to the international gathering in Europe, the Pope sent a video message specifically for them as they attended their own celebrations in Havana.

"We cannot love God if we do not love our brothers and sisters," he said.

He told them that when they walk through the Holy Door in their archdiocese they should let themselves become "infected" with God's love, so that they will be able to look at others with mercy and tenderness, especially those in need.

"Love is constructive, love does not destroy – not even your enemy," he said.

"Young people, do not be afraid of anything, be free from the shackles of the world and proclaim to everyone – to the ill, the elderly, the sad – that the church is crying together with them and that Jesus can give them new life, revive them."

Bring people hope – the kind of hope that even includes people who think differently, Pope Francis told them.

Everyone can build bridges with their words, hearts and desires, and by working together, he said.

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    July 26, 2016: The shrine of the Black Madonna was opened to World Youth Day pilgrims so that they could venerate the miraculous image up close. (Photo by Jean Ko Din)


    Follow our reporter Jean Ko Din as she photographs her journey to Krakow, Poland for the 2016 World Youth Day.