Pope Francis told the thousands of young boys and girls gathered at the St. Peter’s Square, as part of the much anticipated Jubilee of boys and girls event, that happiness is not an app that they could download on their phones. Happiness has no price. Also, no updates will bring you freedom and grandeur in love. Love is a gift that is free, however, it calls for an open heart. It is a responsibility that is noble. It is not passing, it is life-long. If you would like to achieve great dreams, then make it a daily task.
Pope Francis delivered this message to the teens in his homily during the Sunday Mass. The Mass was attended by around 100,000 teenagers aged between 13 and 16. April 24th marked the 2nd day in the three-day event that the Vatican had planned to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The three-day event, the Jubilee of boys and girls, has been an event that the boys and the girls have been awaiting keenly. It kicked off last Saturday with the Sacrament of Reconciliation in St. Peter's Square. The Pontiff himself spontaneously joined the 150 priests hearing the confessions of the young people. According to La Republica, one of the teenagers whose confession was heard by the Pope told them that it was the most emotional day of his life.
Pope Francis further said in his homily that freedom does not mean the right to do anything. It does not come from things that you possess. True freedom could only be found in the love of Jesus. Friendship with Jesus means you are never alone. Even at times when you disappoint him or walk away from him, he will always be there with you. He believes in you more than you believe in yourself. The Holy Father told the youth that love is a Christian's true identity card. You have to constantly renew it so that it does not expire. Love is nurtured by respect, trust, and forgiveness. Pope concluded his homily by challenging the teens to live their life to its fullest, without the fear of hard work. Pope Francis concluded the mass by remembering the people who have been kidnapped in Syria. He prayed to God to touch the hearts of the kidnappers with mercy.
Saturday's hearing of confession was followed by a youth rally at Rome’s Olympic Stadium. Pope Francis addressed the young people during the rally via a video message. He told them that if there is no Jesus in their lives, then there is no signal, just like that of a mobile phone.