VATICAN (CNS): Pope Francis warned of the “dangers of speaking to young people without letting them speak, leaving them at ‘a safe distance’.”
 
In a May 12 video message to young people who had gathered at several sites around the world to pray the rosary together, he said, “Young people do not bite, they can come close and have enthusiasm. And not only do you have enthusiasm, you hold the key to the future.”
 
The international Marian vigil organised at the Shrine of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother in Teramo, Italy, connected young Italian adults with their peers from Panama, Russia, Ireland and Taiwan via video link to pray for the upcoming synod in October on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment.
 
The Catholic Church must not keep young men and women at a distance, but instead must learn to listen to them, Pope Francis said.
 
“I will never tire of repeating it: Do not raise walls, build bridges. Unite the shores of the oceans that separate you with enthusiasm, determination and the love that only you are capable of showing,” he said.
 
In the video, Pope Francis said praying the rosary was a way for young people to show their affection for Mary who is “a young woman among the young, a woman of our days.”
 
Her youthfulness stayed with her throughout her life as “a disciple of her son with the enthusiasm of young people, following him to the cross with the courage that only youths possess.”
 
The pope said, “She continues to be young, even now when we contemplate her in heaven, because holiness keeps her eternally young; it is the true ‘elixir of youth’ that we really need.” 
 
He encouraged young adults in the Church to “not be afraid to be saints” and to follow the example of Mary and other saints “who have preceded you and show you the way.”
 
Pope Francis added that the international Marian event was proof that young people are a “prophecy of peace and reconciliation for all of humanity” and that they must teach adults “whose hearts are often hardened, to choose the path of dialogue and harmony.”
 
Lorenzo Cardinal Baldisseri, the general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, celebrated the vigil’s concluding Mass.