The Power of Listening: The Last Message of the Late Pope Francis to the Youth
The Power of Listening: The Last Message of the Late Pope Francis to the Youth
In a heartfelt video message recorded in January 2024 and released shortly after his passing in April 2025, Pope Francis addressed young people with a simple yet profound invitation: to truly listen. This message, unveiled during the Jubilee of Teenagers in Rome, resonates deeply with the Pope’s enduring commitment to fostering empathy, intergenerational connection, and inner peace.
Translation:
“Dear boys and girls, one of the most important things in life is to listen—to learn how to listen.
When someone speaks to you, wait for them to finish so you can really understand, and then, if you feel like it, respond. But the important thing is to listen.
Look closely at people—people don’t listen. Halfway through an explanation, they’ll answer, and that doesn’t help peace. Listen—listen a lot.
Don’t forget your grandparents; grandparents teach us a lot.
I pray for you; pray for me.”
“Learn to Listen”: A Final Lesson from Pope Francis
In his message, Pope Francis emphasized:
“Dear boys and girls, one of the most important things in life is to listen—to learn how to listen. When someone speaks to you, wait for them to finish so you can really understand, and then, if you feel like it, respond. But the important thing is to listen..”
He observed that many people fail to truly listen, often formulating responses before the other person has finished speaking. This tendency, he noted, does not contribute to peace.
The Value of Grandparents
Pope Francis also highlighted the importance of listening to grandparents, stating, “Don’t forget your grandparents; grandparents teach us a lot.” Throughout his papacy, he consistently emphasized the wisdom and experience that older generations offer. In 2021, he instituted the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly to honor their contributions and encourage intergenerational dialogue.
He believed that engaging with the elderly helps young people understand their roots and the broader context of their lives. As he once said, “Engage in conversations with your grandparents, for they possess a wealth of wisdom.”
A Call to Young People
Pope Francis’s message is a gentle reminder to slow down and truly engage with those around us. In a world filled with noise and constant digital communication, taking the time to listen can lead to deeper understanding and connection.
His final words in the video, “I pray for you, pray for me,” reflect his enduring commitment to mutual care and spiritual solidarity.
Pope Francis’s legacy is one of compassion, humility, and a deep belief in the power of listening. His message to young people serves as a timeless invitation to build bridges across generations and to find peace through genuine connection.
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