Be instruments of peace by “bringing it” into the family, into communities throughout the world. It is the mandate entrusted by Leo XIV to the many young people gathered in various places in the United States of America on the occasion of the “Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences”. On the fiftieth anniversary of the initiative promoted by the Franciscan University of Ohio and on the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis, the Pope sent a video message, broadcast yesterday evening, Friday 19 June, focused on the figure of the Poor Man of Assisi. Here is our English translation of his words.
Dear friends,
I am pleased to greet all of you as you gather in different locations for the Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences, in this year which marks the fiftieth anniversary of these meetings. As you may know, this year we also celebrate the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis. Since this event is organized by the Franciscan University of Steubenville, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on the message that St. Francis might give to young people today. I think he could tell us about many things, but especially about true peace and perfect joy, as these themes were an important part of his life.
If you had met Saint Francis on the streets of Assisi in the thirteenth century, he would probably have looked at you with a serene and loving smile and said “Peace and goodThis is how St. Francis often greeted people, and it expresses one of the desires he had in his heart. We too can ask ourselves: Do I desire true peace for those who come into contact with me? Do I treat others in a way that brings them peace? Now, you might say that this is not always easy. Sometimes our behavior, even towards those we love very much, can bring frustration and conflict rather than peace. We must keep in mind that St. Francis was able to sow peace not through his own efforts, but because he possessed within himself the source of true peace. I have often repeated that peace is a gift from God, a gift that we receive when we invite the Lord to enter our hearts. Then we are called to become instruments of his peace, bringing it to our families, to our communities, to our countries and to the whole world. I would therefore like to invite you to take advantage of the moments of silence during this conference to discover the peace of Christ, which he promised to give to his disciples (cf. John 14, 27).
Saint Francis was also known as a particularly joyful person. He rejoiced in the beauty of creation, in the infinite goodness and mercy of God, in the conversion of sinners. And yet it may surprise you how he once explained what perfect joy was. One winter evening, while walking back to Assisi with Brother Leo, one of the first members of the Franciscan Order, Saint Francis began to make a list of apparently “good” things that do not lead to perfect joy. At a certain point, Brother Leo exclaimed: “Father Francis, tell me where perfect joy can be found!”. Responding, the saint described a tragic situation that involved suffering from cold, hunger and rejection — the opposite of what one would expect — adding that if those difficulties were met with patience, without complaint and with love for God, “this is perfect joy.”
We might ask: is it really possible to experience joy in such difficult circumstances? It is only possible if our life is founded on our relationship with God as a loving Father. In fact, the joy of St. Francis, the joy that St. Francis spoke of, cannot be found through electronic devices, spending hours in front of a screen or endlessly scrolling through social media every day. These activities often waste precious time that could be used for moments of silent prayer, cultivating authentic friendships, spending quality time with family, learning more about faith, studying or playing sports. Joy should never be sought through drug use, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, superficial relationships, obsession with our image or any other type of harmful behavior. Surprisingly it cannot even be found in goods like wealth, beauty, fame or even health, because one day we will leave all of that behind.
Only God’s love can give us true and perfect joy. If we are deeply convinced that God cares for us as his beloved children, we will not be confused or discouraged, even in difficult situations. Many of you have been told from an early age that God loves you. But do you really believe it? You are precious in the eyes of God! (see Is 43, 4). You are loved by him unconditionally! Are you certain of this? If you cultivate a relationship of trust with him, through regular prayer, through the reception of the sacraments, if you abandon yourself in his hands, then the anxiety or sadness and loneliness will vanish while his grace will fill you and his love will inflame your heart. This is the secret to being able to face challenging circumstances with a smile. Open your hearts to discover this reality.
Therefore, St. Francis’ message — and mine — is simple: true peace and perfect joy are gifts from God that come when we open ourselves to Him and trust in His power to change us. What can we give him in exchange for such great love, for such generous gifts? Nothing but ourselves! Today the Lord needs missionaries who bring the Word to those who do not know him, holy men and women who give life to loving Catholic families, priests who are spiritual fathers and ministers of the sacraments, as well as men and women religious who bear witness to the true joy of his Kingdom. If you have the feeling that perhaps the Lord is calling you to one of these vocations, do not withdraw into yourself or turn away in fear, but step forward and say to the Lord: “Here I am, send me!” (Is 6, 8). At the same time, don’t be afraid to talk about it with someone, a trusted friend, a priest or a religious woman.
I wish you all a fruitful conference, praying that in these days you will be filled with the love of Christ and meet other young people who wish to give their lives totally to him and, in doing so, find true happiness. Entrusting all of you to the maternal intercession of Our Lady, Cause of our Joy, I willingly invoke upon each of you the divine blessings of peace and fortitude.
And bless you Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
