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In a recent Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis addressed the chaotic and violent state of current world events, reassuring Christians that everything is ultimately subject to Christ's judgment. Speaking on November 24 during the Feast of Christ the King, he questioned the actions of those who cause destruction and war: “What face will they have when they appear before the Lord? ‘Why did you make that war? Why did you kill?’ God will ask. And what will they answer?”
The Mass also marked the local celebration of World Youth Day. Young people from Portugal, where the international event was held in 2023, and South Korea, which will host it in 2027, participated in the liturgy with Pope Francis.
Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell led as the principal celebrant at the altar. Before Portuguese youth passed on the World Youth Day cross and Marian icon to their South Korean counterparts, Pope Francis offered a special prayer for these symbols to provide comfort and strength to young people living amid war and violence.
He prayed for increased certainty in God's invincible love wherever these symbols travel. In his homily, Pope Francis described passing on these symbols as an invitation to live out and spread the Gospel "to all corners of the earth without stopping or losing heart."
Encouraging young people to focus on Jesus and Mary during difficult times, he emphasized Mary's role as a supportive mother figure beside them.
Pope Francis urged young attendees not to be ashamed of their beliefs but rather follow Jesus' example of love and service: “God loves you just as you are,” he said. “Before Him, your pure dreams matter more than success or fame.”
He warned against seeking fleeting fame on social media or elsewhere: “The heaven you're called to shine in is bigger” through acts of love and care.
During his Angelus address after Mass, Pope Francis contrasted Pilate’s world—where power dominates—with Jesus’ kingdom rooted in divine love: "Christ rescues creation ruined by evil with love's strength; through divine power because Jesus liberates, forgives gives peace justice," he concluded.
