Pope Leo: We must support and invest in young people

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Especially at such times of uncertainty, supporting and investing in young people is essential, suggested Pope Leo on Monday when receiving members of the Ausilia Foundation in the Vatican.

Established in 2013 as a non-profit organization, the Foundation, now a philanthropic entity, focuses primarily on supporting young people, education, scholarships, and social development projects.

The Pope began his remarks by expressing his gratitude for being able to meet them at the start of Holy Week, calling it "a providential time for our discipleship of the Lord Jesus, who was crucified, died and rose again for us."

Investment in people

Pope Leo in particular thanked those before him for their commitment to help young people in their formation and integration into the workplace.

"Investing not in objects, but in people, in their abilities and skills," the Pope stressed, "constitutes a key strength of your work."

Young people ought to become protagonists of their own future

"Indeed, in this way," he added, "it is the young people themselves who become the protagonists of their own future, without being regarded as functional tools for a company or cogs in the wheel of commercial success."

Thus, the Pope encouraged each of the Foundation's members to persevere in the initiatives they foster. "Precisely in the current climate of uncertainty," he observed, "the virtuous circle of knowledge and collaboration that you promote will certainly bear good fruit."

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon all those present and their loved ones.

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