Originally published at National Catholic Register
The Pope connected his message to the upcoming 2025 Jubilee and referenced Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who could be declared a saint next year.
Pope Francis on Saturday warned of a “worrying and complex” rise in youth mental-health challenges, including self-harm and suicide, while calling for a new “educational alliance” to address what he described as not just a cultural but an “anthropological metamorphosis” in society.
Speaking to members of Italy’s National Youth Council at the Vatican on Nov. 16, the Pope emphasized the need for comprehensive support structures amid what he called an “epochal change” affecting young people.
“As we know, even from recent news, the challenges that concern you are many: the dignity of work, family, education, civic engagement, care for creation, and new technologies,” the Pope said.
“The increase in acts of violence and self-harm, up to the most extreme gesture of taking one’s life, are signs of a worrying and complex distress,” Francis warned.
The Pontiff’s remarks came as the youth council marked its 20th anniversary. Francis noted with approval their “Quarta Rilevazione dell’Indice di Fiducia” (Fourth Trust Index Survey), showing that hope remained the predominant “inner attitude” among Italian youth.
“We often meet disillusioned
