“Francesco’s death does not mark the end of an era”, but it is an invitation. The one to “continue to hope. To continue the path he traced. To return to being a pilgrim church “.
In an open letter the young people of the world write to the cardinals before their entry into conclave. The initiative, which started by the Belgian Association Kamino and immediately signed by the Spanish nun Xiskya Valladares, who participated in the Synod of bishops as a synodal mother, has in a short time collected thousands of members and was delivered to those who are preparing to elect the new Pope.
The young people ask that the choice of the future pontiff is “a step towards a church where young people are not only welcomed, but co -star. Let your choice be an echo of Francesco and a prophetic response to the future ».
“We want a Church that believes that the Spirit of God continues to blow, even today, also through young people, even on new roads,” they say. And while remembering how many, popes, bishops, men and women all over the world, “have transmitted faith with ardor, sometimes with suffering, often with love”, also recognize “shadows: Clericism, the abuse of power, the guilty silence. Honoring the past also means learning from the past. Not to remain imprisoned you, but to heal “.
They underline that «Pope Francis showed us another way of being a church. He reminded us that the Synod is not a meeting, but a lifestyle. He taught us to listen – To really listen – the other, the suburbs, the spirit. He opened doors, broken taboos, spoken of abuse, power structures, nature as a sister. He went to places where other world leaders did not have the courage to go. He called the young people to “do noise”, not for rebellion, but for the love of the world. He built a culture of dialogue – with society, with other religions, with those who think and feel differently ».
And then you have to look to the future, that “you cannot write without young people, without women, without lay people. Christus Vivit is not a simple attachment to the Synod documents – it is a manifesto for a church that feeds on the strength of the dream of young people. We ask you to take it seriously ». And for this they dream of “a Ministry of Manufacturers of peace in the Church: leader who build bridges, who exceed conflicts, which recognize the strength of vulnerability”.
They hope for “a radically integrated church. A church where transparency is not a slogan, but the foundation of trust “. An “inclusive church. A Church that does not judge by origin, gender, orientation or status, but for the ability to love ».
The appeal is then that of Do not choose only a pope: «Choose a pilgrim. A shepherd. A peace builder. Let your choice be a step towards a church where young people are not only welcomed, but co -stars. Let your choice be an echo of Francesco and a prophetic response to the future. Call us pilgrims of hope. But above all, listen to us. Why Hope is not a dream. Hope is a path. And we travel that path together ».
