Vatican State Secretary Urges Youths in Mozambique to Be “protagonists” of Peace, Reconciliation, Not “mere spectators”

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?”

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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.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.