Abstract

The Pope and the young. The Pope’s presence among young people and his commitment to them became a phenomenon during his pontificate. The life and problems of the young were always present in the Pontiff’s teachings. He gave ample evidence of his concern for the youths of his time. The words he addressed to the young on the 22nd of September 1978: “You are the future of the world, you are the hope of the Church, you are my hope”, echoed throughout his ministry and pilgrimages all over the world. To make the young of today’s world open to the Christ’s Good News was of paramount importance for John Paul II. He kept encouraging the young to follow Christ and His ways, because He – the Lord – is the true Way, and no threat, but a chance for them to really grow to become fully human. The issue of human freedom was yet another problem raised by John Paul II in his meetings with the young. He was convinced that freedom is undoubtedly a great gift to humanity, and especially to young generations, since it determines the human dignity. Misused freedom inevitably leads to anarchy and excessive criticism. John Paul II encouraged to freedom that is based on responsible.
The above mentioned principles John Paul II taught to the young with a great deal of courage and involvement. Young people listened to them because they knew that the Pope was authentic, of deep faith and care for the young and their future.