Maputo, 08 December, 2025 / 8:17 PM
The Vatican Secretary of State has called upon young people in Mozambique to take a leading role in promoting peace and reconciliation in their respective communities, saying they must be “protagonists” of change and not “mere spectators”.
In his homily during the closing Mass of the Third National Youth Day (JNJ), Pietro Cardinal Parolin said that despite the conflicts and suffering that mark today’s world, young people have shown that they are capable of building a better future through the virtues of courage and hope, and a firm commitment to peace.
“Young people must not give in to discouragement but must continue to work for peace as protagonists and not as mere spectators,” Cardinal Parolin said during the December 7 Eucharistic celebration that was held at Maxaquene Pavilion in Maputo.
He added, “Do not let yourselves be overcome by evil. Rather, overcome evil with good.”
The Vatican-based Cardinal urged young people to show the world the value of human life and the dignity of the human person, saying, “Mozambique must show the world that it is an example of love for life, respect for the dignity of all, inclusion of the excluded, and promotion of integral development for everyone.”
He warned that a society that does not protect the most vulnerable “is not a mature and advanced society.”
Cardinal Parolin reminded the young people that Mozambique needs “courageous youth who, driven by a desire for justice and progress, abandon personal comfort and overcome passivity or defeatist pessimism.”
He asked them to place their talents “at the service of others, especially the neediest in society,” even in a context of poverty, corruption, and unemployment.
Cardinal Parolin also lamented the “moral poverty” afflicting many young people and families.
He went on to denounce addictions and their impact, posing, “How many families live in anguish because one of their members, often a young person, is addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or pornography?”
The Italian-born Vatican Cardinal noted that this moral poverty also leads to “spiritual poverty, which affects us when we distance ourselves from God and reject His love.”
Addressing the violence in the North of Mozambique, he addressed himself to youths from that province, saying, “I especially greet the young people of Cabo Delgado, who suffer from terrorist violence in their territories. We pray that peace may soon come to Cabo Delgado.”
Cardinal Parolin noted that young people must be builders of non-violence. He appealed, “Overcome evil with good. Do not respond to violence with more violence. Do not respond to injustice with hatred and revenge.”
“With God, nothing is impossible,” he said, adding, “Even if, humanly speaking, it may seem difficult to look to the future with optimism, temptations to discouragement do not cease.”
He went on to encourage youths to keep alive their hope and friendship with God, nourished “by prayer, adoration, Eucharistic communion, frequent confession, and generous charity.”
“Continue to walk with joy, following in the footsteps of Jesus, and infect with your enthusiasm all those you meet,” Cardinal Parolin said.
The Vatican Secretary of State arrived in Mozambique on December 5 for a five-day pastoral visit. His trip is set to conclude on Tuesday, December 10.
The Best Catholic News - straight to your inbox
Sign up for our free ACI Africa newsletter.
Our mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA