On the fifth anniversary of his Apostolic Exhortation, “Christus vivit (Christ is alive)” on Holy Monday, Pope Francis reminded young Catholics worldwide to remain in “friendship with Christ” by allowing themselves to “make a mess”—in a good way.
Pope Francis issued the statement as reported by the Vatican News, saying that he would like his words to “be a source of renewed hope” for young people, who might be feeling discouraged in a world “marked by so many conflicts and so much suffering.”
The Holy Father said young people have a “great mission” in this world, encouraging them to “make a mess”—famously expressed in Spanish as “¡Hagan lío!”—which was the same message he expressed to his audiences during past World Youth Day gatherings.
Pope Francis assured young people that “Christ is alive” and loves them infinitely. He invited them to “walk with Him as a friend, welcome Him into your life, and let Him share all the joys and hopes, the problems and struggles of this time in your life.”
Living in the presence of Jesus, he told young people, will allow their “memory of the past” to prove fruitful and help them to “find courage in the present” and “face the future with hope.”
Pope Francis also mentioned that the world needs to draw upon the creativity of the youth to explore new paths.
The Holy Father acknowledged the youth as “the living hope of the Church on the move,” as he thanked them for their presence in and contribution to the Catholic community.
Pope Francis wrote Christus vivit on March 25, 2019 in response to the 15th ordinary general assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
It was published on April 2 that year, the anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II, who was the first Pope to address a letter to young people in 1985 and began the World Youth Days.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline ‘Make a mess, but in a good way,’ Pope Francis urges young people