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Pope Francis writes foreword for the YOUCAT Youth Catechism!
In January 2024, a new edition of the Italian YOUCAT Youth Catechism was published. The new foreword by Pope Francis will now be gradually translated into all other languages and will appear in the upcoming new editions of YOUCAT. In his foreword, Pope Francis appeals passionately to young people: Being a Christian means having a living, loving relationship with Jesus. The Catechism is intended to help young people better understand the Christian message in the context of today’s world and to make it effective in their everyday lives.
- Pope Francis appeals to young people
- Being in love with Christ
- Understanding Jesus through the catechism
- Passing on the love of Christ
Pope Francis appeals to young people
“Love is the main reason the Church exists,” the Pope begins his foreword to the new Italian edition of the YOUCAT Youth Catechism. Above all, he emphasizes the love and mercy that “God the Father feels for every person and that Jesus the Son has offered us through his life, death, and resurrection.”
The Pope describes the YOUCAT as a valuable tool for better understanding the faith and building a genuine, personal relationship with Christ. He highlights that this relationship should be characterized by love and joy – a love that is reflected in relationship with God and with fellow human beings. At the same time, he calls on young people to read this book “with trust”. “Yes, I dare to say this: Love this book, because it is the fruit of love.”
Being in love with Christ
For Pope Francis, being a Christian means, above all, growing a profound, passionate love for Jesus. This love is the foundation of the Christian life and is reflected both in our relationship with God and with our fellow human beings. It leads to a devotion that permeates everyday life and keeps our faith alive. The Pope stresses that being a true Christian means “being in love” with Jesus – a love that grows from personal encounters and trust.
Understanding Jesus through the catechism
The YOUCAT is highlighted as an important tool for better understanding the teachings of Jesus and anchoring them in everyday life. For the Pope, asking “What would Christ do in my place?” is “the password for a truly ‘living’ and joyful life.”
Pope Francis describes the YOUCAT as a companion to understand the faith better and to contemplate Christian values and principles. This contemplation is necessary to build a stronger connection to Jesus in an increasingly complex world and to recognize the truth in Jesus.
Passing on the love of Christ
The Pope calls on young Catholics not just to keep their faith to themselves, but to actively spread the message of Christ. He emphasizes that passing on the faith is not only an obligation but a source of great joy: “So we (…) must not hesitate to speak of Jesus, to bear witness to Him and to work to make Him known to those who have not yet had the opportunity to know Him or have heard little of Him. This is truly the sweet joy of evangelization: Taking our love for Jesus to the whole world.”
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