Pope Francis says he is praying for the success of the Taizé Community’s ecumenical meeting from 29 December to 2 January in Prague.
In a message to young people from around the globe gathered in the capital of the Czech Republic, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin says that through prayer and reciprocal dialogue, they are attempting to be “the salt of the earth” and the Pope encourages them in their efforts towards greater communion.
He reassures them that as they strive for this goal, they should not be overwhelmed by their “limitations and their poverty.”
Pope Francis recalls that the Czech Republic is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its “return to democracy” and invites young people in Prague to remember in their prayers the men and women martyrs who “sometimes at the cost of great suffering” gave freely of themselves so that their country would regain its freedom.
Pope Francis calls young people to imitate the willingness of the Virgin Mary to open themselves to God’s plan and says he is confident that with imagination and creativity, they will spread the word of the Gospel in their own countries. Calling them “travelers of the faith,” Pope Francis says it is wonderful that young people are “happy to bring Jesus to every street, to every square, to every corner of the earth!”
Vatican Radio