Francis: Never Betray Your Ideals to “Be Stars for a Day”

Pope Francis called on the faithful to look to Jesus, renounce the logic of power, avoid being prisoners of the “self,” and reject manipulations that lead only to anxiety, falsehood, and the loss of true freedom and love.

A Message of Hope and Perseverance

During his homily at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope emphasized that although many of the world’s ills are the work of man and the Evil One, everything will ultimately be subjected to the judgment of Christ, the just and merciful King. “He leaves us free, but He does not leave us alone,” Francis declared, highlighting the hope and constant love of God that enables us to continue our journey with joy.

Looking to Jesus, the Beginning and End of All Things

This celebration coincided with World Youth Day in dioceses worldwide. Pope Francis invited the faithful to direct their gaze to Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. “A contemplation that elevates and inspires,” he noted, despite the anxieties caused by wars, violence, ecological disasters, job insecurity, economic uncertainty, divisions, and inequalities.

Reflecting on Accusations, Consensus, and Truth

To face the anxieties of today’s world, especially among young people, the Pope urged reflection on three aspects in the light of God’s Word: accusations, the need for consensus, and the truth.

Accusations

Francis depicted Jesus before Pontius Pilate, a symbol of power, who condemns Him to death despite recognizing His influence. “He, who always preached justice, mercy, and forgiveness, remains faithful to the truth to the point of sacrificing His own life,” the Pope emphasized. He warned young people that they might be accused for following Jesus and be seen as “failures” for staying true to the Gospel and its values. “Do not fear condemnation; false accusations will fall, and superficial values will be revealed as illusions,” he assured.

The Need for Consensus

The Pope reminded that Jesus did not seek success, the approval of the powerful, or widespread recognition; instead, He rejected the logic of power. He urged young people not to be driven by the desire for fame and approval, which leads to anxiety and betraying one’s ideals. “Do not settle for being ‘stars for a day’,” he cautioned, warning against manipulations and false promises.

Truth

Insisting that God loves each person as they are and that their dreams are more valuable than success and fame, the Pope highlighted that “Christ came into the world to bear witness to the truth.” He explained that only in love do we find light and meaning in our existence. “The self-sufficient ‘I’ is the root of all injustice and unhappiness,” he said, urging young people to avoid this trap and seek truth in Christ, who teaches that only in love can we live, grow, and flourish in our full dignity.

The Symbols of World Youth Day

At the end of the Eucharist, Portuguese youths handed over the symbols of World Youth Day to Korean youths: the Cross and the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani. “You, young Koreans, will receive the Cross with your Mother. Mary always leads us to Jesus and stands by our Cross to help us,” Francis affirmed.

The Pope concluded his message by inviting everyone to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and Mary, finding in them the strength to move forward without fear of accusations, without the need for consensus, and being witnesses of the truth in love.

In an era marked by the pursuit of success and recognition, Pope Francis’ words remind us of the importance of staying true to our Christian ideals and values. He calls us to live a life of truth and love, rejecting the false promises of fleeting visibility and finding true freedom and hope in Christ.