Church and world need gifts and enthusiasm of young people, pope says in new exhortation

 

"Christus Vivit" ("Christ Lives"), the pope's reflections on the 2018 Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment, is a combination letter to young people about their place in the church and a plea to older members of the church not to stifle the enthusiasm of the young, but to offer gentle guidance when needed.

 

“Dear young people, make the most of these years of your youth,” he tells them. “Don’t observe life from a balcony. Don’t confuse happiness with an armchair, or live your life behind a screen. Whatever you do, do not become the sorry sight of an abandoned vehicle! Don’t be parked cars, but dream freely and make good decisions...don't take an early retirement"