Pope Francis says that families who welcome young people who participate in World Youth Day are opening themselves to universality.
Monsignor Joji Vadakara, Vatican City
For the young people who come from different countries to participate in World Youth Day, Pope Francis said that those who provide accommodation in their homes open their families to universality. The Pope said this in a video message given on Wednesday, January 25, to the families who will be welcoming those who are coming to participate in the World Youth Day, which will be held in the city of Lisbon, Portugal from August 1 to 6, 2023. Although their presence in your ordinary life may be disturbing, the Pope reminded us that this will be the beginning of a revolution of access to universality.
The Pope said that receiving young people from other countries and cultures is not just a service, but a great act, and beyond the inconveniences and difficulties they may bring, they will give the seeds of another culture and perspective. They will show you that many things are applicable and that things are different in other parts of the world. Papa reminded us that even if you accept one or two people, they also have the universe. They open our eyes to the fact that it is possible for others to be Christians in their own way, with a different culture and perspective. By this we are opening ourselves to the universal and the horizon
Thanking the families who receive the young people, the Pope made it clear that even if it is a little difficult, it will be the sowing of the seeds of universality, a look to the horizon beyond our geographical, cultural or moral limits and boundaries.