Originally published at National Catholic Register
As the Church’s liturgical year drew to a close, the Pope reflected on how Christian joy and love persist even amid global challenges.
Marking the Solemnity of Christ the King and the close of the liturgical year, Pope Francis presided over Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, urging young Catholics to reject superficial acclaim and embrace authentic Christian witness.
The gathering included the annual World Youth Day observance and featured a handover of the pilgrim symbols — the WYD Cross, first entrusted to youth by St. John Paul II in 1984, and the icon of Mary, known as Salus Populi Romani (Protection of the Roman People) — from Portuguese youth to their Korean counterparts, who will host WYD in Seoul in 2027.
As the Church’s liturgical year drew to a close, the Pope reflected on how Christian joy and love persist even amid global challenges.
“Only in love can we live, grow and flourish in our full dignity,” Francis said, emphasizing that genuine love cannot be bought or sold, but “is free, it is the gift of oneself.”
The pontiff highlighted what he called “small lights” that give strength to Christian witness: “These small lights: the faithful love
