Pope Francis on Friday urged a youth not to tire in working together to ensure that everyone can afford a dignified life
He was addressing young people participating in the World Food Forum which aims to tackle the world’s food crisis by transforming global food systems.
Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the Holy Father encouraged young people gathered at the online Forum, to “remain united and steadfast” in their purpose “for a better future”.
The Forum also aims to transform agri-food systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in particular, “zero hunger”.
Pope thanked FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu for his wisdom in convening the “significant gathering and to lend support to a new generation of leaders who are hungry for justice”.
He pointed out that young people around the world are cultivating their creativity and energy to address the structural causes of the current food crisis, from protracted armed conflicts to the devastating effects of climate change.
“Their sense of belonging to the same community and to the planet gives them a powerful sense of urgency to act and solve the challenges afflicting the human family in new ways”, the Holy Father expressed.
He said that “their gift to us is to bring innovative solutions to address old problems and the courage not to be constrained by myopic thinking that resists change”.
The Pope pointed out that world leaders during the UN Food Systems Summit on September 23, pledged to work together to eradicate hunger in the world.
He said, “their words are a promise to our brothers and sisters, to our sons and daughters and to our grandchildren.”
The Holy Father asked young people not to be “petty” in their dreams, “strive for a better future and turn those aspirations into concrete and meaningful actions”.
He asked them to leave behind routines and false mirages and regenerate this world so shaken by the pandemic to be a happy reality by sowing solidarity, creativity and nobility of spirit.
The Pope also urged world leaders who committed themselves to fulfill their promises in recent months, “not disappoint the new generations”.
He asked them to look into the eyes of the young people who are asking for change, to listen to their concerns and be inspired by their vision, saying, “it is our present that will define their future”.
“Let us be remembered for our resolve to be hopeful in the face of despair and to stand united in the mission to ensure that no one is left without the means to lead a dignified life,” the Pope urged.