Pope Francis addressed the young participants of the 47th annual Taizé European meeting, held in Tallinn, Estonia, with a heartfelt message emphasizing God as the ultimate source of hope and meaning. He urged the youth to deepen their faith in Christ, drawing strength and purpose from Him, and reminded them that holiness and faith lead to a fulfilling life.
The Pope’s message, delivered by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, recalled his 2018 Apostolic Visit to the Baltic countries, during which he met with young people at the Lutheran Church of Kaarli in Tallinn. Reflecting on that encounter, he highlighted the beauty of coming together in faith as followers of Christ.
Unity Amid Global Challenges
The Pope stressed the importance of unity and shared brotherhood, particularly in today’s challenging times. He lamented the prevalence of violence, war, social inequalities, and ecological crises that disorient and harm many people worldwide.
He commended the young members of Taizé for their resilience and commitment to “hope against all hope,” drawing inspiration from the Prior of Taizé’s letter for 2025 and the upcoming Jubilee Year theme.
Walking in God’s Hope
“Walk in hope!” The Pope emphasized that hope is a divine gift, capable of overcoming crises, anxieties, and fatigue. It provides strength to persevere and illuminates the path toward life’s purpose and destination.
Pope Francis also reminded the youth of the Church’s trust in them, highlighting their vital role in proclaiming the good news of God’s love in today’s world.
Concluding his message, the Pope extended his Apostolic Blessing to all members of the Taizé community and their families, reaffirming his confidence in their mission to bring hope and faith to others.
