Speaking on Dec. 1 to 15,000 youth from Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, overflowing the square in front of the Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch in Bkerké, Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV told the young people that they, with their hopes, dreams, and intention “to do good,” will be able to lead the way to creating a world without war and injustice.
Four young people had given witness and asked questions, before the Pope addressed the crowd. “Their stories speak of courage in the midst of suffering. They speak of hope in the face of disappointment, and inner peace during times of war. They are like shining stars in the night sky, offering us a glimpse of the first rays of dawn,” Pope Leo XIV responded.
“Dear young people, perhaps you regret inheriting a world torn apart by wars and disfigured by social injustice. Yet there is hope, and there is hope within you! You have a gift that many times we adults seem to have lost. You have hope! You have time! You have more time to dream, to plan, and to do good. You are the present, and the future is already taking shape in your hands! You have the enthusiasm to change the course of history! The true opposition to evil is not evil, but love—a love capable of healing one’s own wounds while also caring for the wounds of others.”
