Pope in Assisi: Build a civilisation of love, not division

By Antonella Palermo 

How can the spiritual legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi be lived out today? How can we embrace a spirit of service and welcome in a world increasingly shaped by oppression and consumerism? And how can we continue to trust a Church that is itself marked by crises and contradictions?

These were some of the questions put to the Pope today by three young people, who gave voice to concerns shared not only by their own generation, but by many others as well.

Pope Leo chose to begin his pastoral visit to the Umbrian town of Assisi by meeting young people at Santa Maria degli Angeli. Responding at length to each of their questions, he reiterated several key principles: religion must never be exploited for political purposes, while leadership should be liberating, responsible and inclusive.

Going against the tide: Healing memories and fostering reconciliation

Karolina, from Zagreb, was the first to speak. She asked how people can remain authentic disciples of Christ and share a living faith that does not remain confined within church walls.

In response, the Pope returned to the subject of war, recalling that Karolina comes from “a region of Europe that experienced war only thirty years ago, as well as the dangerous intertwining of religious affiliation and nationalism.”

The Franciscans’ long-standing commitment to dialogue in the region, he noted, has helped Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Muslims live together in peace. This, Pope Leo said, is the path that must continue to be followed.

“Today, being faithful to this tradition of closeness means going against the tide, working to heal memories and fostering reconciliation. Christians will increasingly be called to become peacemakers in societies tempted to exploit religion in conflicts between different identities.”

Karolina shakes Pope Leo’s hand   (@Vatican Media)

Misinformation and prejudice create fear; Christ opens the heart

To live as spiritual sons and daughters of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Pope stressed, means understanding the true meaning of Gospel radicalism.

It “is the opposite of fundamentalism: it does not make us blind and violent, but sensitive and attentive, always following Jesus and therefore humble and welcoming towards everyone. It is not easy, but it brings great joy.”

Following this path, the Pope suggested, sometimes means making uncomfortable or unfashionable choices, while resisting every attempt at manipulation.

Advertisement

“Bearing witness to Christ therefore remains both fascinating and demanding, because it opens our minds and hearts beyond artificial boundaries—that is, beyond the fears created by misinformation and the walls of prejudice.”

Technology makes us forget how to be together

Pope Leo then reflected on Saint Francis’ insight that poverty can bring people closer, even when they seem far apart.

He recalled what it means to be the Church: a home open to everyone, a community that listens and experiences the joy of fraternity. It is also a place where people rediscover the physical reality of being together, beyond the virtual world, and the value of silence, which “is the opposite of war, with its violence, shouting and cruelty.”

“Dear young people, how beautiful it is to be together and ‘speak about God’ and, in His light, about life itself, in all its beauty, mystery and seriousness!”

“Bear witness to this way of living wherever you go, especially at a time when technology is making us forget how to be together as people of flesh and blood.”

Making a lifelong commitment is a revolutionary act

Giovanni, from Bologna, asked the Pope how it is possible to give a wholehearted “yes” to God in a world that often struggles to look beyond the immediate future or towards eternity.

He also asked what had helped Robert Prevost along his own vocational journey.

“Making a definitive choice is perhaps the most revolutionary act,” the Pope replied.

The problem today, he said, lies in “an occasionally confused understanding of freedom,” which can foster the illusion “that problems can be solved by running away, by betraying others, or by taking only a few steps along constantly changing paths, without ever travelling far.”

The Pope warned that constantly seeking new experiences, relationships and possessions often points to an inner emptiness. It can even lead people to treat others as commodities. True love, he said, is something entirely different.

“Deciding forever does not imprison us in a cage, but opens us to a greater dynamism. Love is an exodus, a road to be discovered, a journey that God undertakes with us. This is the true meaning of every vocation.”

Giovanni listens to Pope Leo’s response to his question   (@Vatican Media)

Saying ‘yes’ to becoming Pope

Prompted by Giovanni’s question, Pope Leo offered a glimpse into his own personal journey.

He explained that decisions must be renewed each day and that a vocation is “a journey of redemption and healing.” It requires daily commitment and constant vigilance against the way sin can cloud a person’s judgement.

“In my experience, I can say that the Lord has never left me alone. He has always accompanied me, also giving me people with whom to walk. In my vocation to be a priest, a member of the Augustinian community and a missionary, I found a light that has guided me to this day, until I had to say ‘yes’ to a very special calling: that of being Pope.”

Advertisement

The invisible walls dividing our cities

Luigi, a 22-year-old from Sicily, asked about obedience to the Successor of Peter, especially when it feels difficult or when scandals emerge within the Church. How, he asked, can people remain within “this healing Love”?

Pope Leo XIV insisted that unity is close to the heart of Jesus. The Pope, who made unity the theme of his episcopal motto, described it as something “revolutionary.” Despite the Church’s failures and wounds, he said, such unity remains both possible and visible.

“Around Jesus, men and women who otherwise would never have met or spent time together become brothers and sisters. When this miracle of the Church continues to take place, thanks be to God, it remains astonishing even today in our cities, which are filled with invisible walls separating people from one another. How many forms of discrimination and inequality can end immediately once we recognize one another as brothers and sisters!”

Luigi listens to Pope Leo   (@Vatican Media)

The power of Jesus does not humiliate, but lifts up

The Pope’s response turned the logic of the world on its head, echoing the words of the Magnificat.

True power, he explained, is measured not by a person’s ability to focus on themselves, but by their willingness to serve others with humility.

“Not grasping, but receiving; not holding on, but giving back: this is the life of God, which heals the Church and makes her a free people, a place where people can breathe and find salvation.”

Jesus’ desire for the Church is clear, the Pope concluded: she must become His Body and reveal His life. This means following His example and exercising a different kind of strength-one that does not humiliate, but lifts others up.