Pope Francis Urges Ukrainian Youth to Dream, Forgive, and Embrace Dialog in Historic Online Meeting
In a powerful and historic one-hour video conference, Pope Francis met with 250 young Ukrainians on Saturday afternoon, February 2, 2025, to express his solidarity and compassion for those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, organized by the Apostolic Nuncio Visvaldas Kulbokas and Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, brought together Catholic youth from Kyiv, Lutsk, Donetsk, and diaspora communities in Warsaw, Munich, London, chicago, and Toronto.
The Pope, speaking from the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, emphasized the importance of patriotism, dialogue, and forgiveness. “To love your home, to protect your home,” he urged, encouraging the youth to remain steadfast in their dreams and aspirations for the future.”Don’t get tired of leading the dialogue,” he added, underscoring his belief that peace in ukraine can only emerge through open and sustained communication.Archbishop shevchuk described the event as a “historical meeting,” a first-of-its-kind gathering that united young Ukrainians across continents. The participants, gathered in the Cathedral of the Resurrection in Kyiv, watched the Pope on a large screen as he shared his message of hope and resilience. Auxiliary Bishop Jan Sobiło of the Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia Diocese, a region heavily impacted by bombings, also joined the meeting, highlighting the widespread suffering caused by the war.Pope Francis also addressed the challenges of forgiveness, a theme that resonated deeply with the young audience. “One of the most difficult things is to forgive,and it is indeed difficult for us all,” he acknowledged. “But this sentence helps me: I have to forgive as I was forgiven.” His words offered a poignant reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness, even in the face of immense hardship.
The meeting was not just a call to action but also a moment of connection and healing. The Pope’s message to “have the courage to dream” struck a chord with the youth, as he reminded them, “A young person who is unable to dream is already old.”
| Key Highlights of the Meeting |
|———————————–|
| Participants | 250 young Ukrainians from Kyiv, Lutsk, Donetsk, and diaspora communities |
| Organizers | Apostolic Nuncio Visvaldas Kulbokas and Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk |
| Main Themes | Patriotism, dialogue, forgiveness, and dreaming for the future |
| Pope’s Message | “Don’t get tired of leading the dialogue” and “I have to forgive as I was forgiven” |
This historic encounter serves as a testament to the resilience of Ukraine’s youth and the global Catholic community’s unwavering support. As the war enters its third year, Pope Francis’s words offer a beacon of hope, urging young Ukrainians to remain steadfast in their faith, dreams, and commitment to peace.For more insights into the pope’s engagement with Ukrainian youth, explore his previous interactions, including his moving testimony of faith shared at a general audience and his surprise meeting with Ukrainian youth during World Youth Day in Lisbon.
