Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi, Bishop Emeritus of San Cristóbal de Las Casas and head of the Doctrine of the Faith at the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM), offers Exaudi readers his weekly article.

FACTS

We often hear complaints and criticisms leveled against today’s youth. It’s said that they’re fickle and indecisive; that they don’t concentrate or memorize, but rather are like butterflies; that they’re swayed not by sound judgment, but by trends; that they’re very rebellious against the moral principles their parents try to instill in them; that they only think about material things, studying for a career in the pursuit of earning money, going out, having fun, and having whatever they want; that they don’t want to commit to a stable marriage, but instead go from adventure to adventure, and that almost no one arrives a virgin at their wedding; that today’s courtships are now about shameless sexual intercourse; that, if they get married, they don’t want children, but rather pets, on whom they spend a lot of time and money; that they’re slaves to their cell phones, informed about everything, connected to many people, but incapable of a personal relationship or deep friendship; that they’re selfish and individualistic, thinking only of their own comfort and interests; that some are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Others are recruited by criminal groups; they distance themselves from religion and have many doubts and objections to the faith, etc., etc.

In contrast to all this, there are many young people of both sexes who are very responsible in their studies and their obligations; who are good children, respectful and loving to their parents and grandparents; who are helpful and generous; who give their time and energy to worthy causes, such as ecology and caring for the disabled; who are well-informed and know something about everything; who are highly skilled in using new communication technologies; who are deeply convinced of their Christian faith and carry out apostolates in poor areas; some who dedicate themselves to a religious or priestly vocation; others who are missionaries in distant and needy places.

In our Church, there are youth groups in almost every parish, although some are limited to singing at Mass. In October 2018, the World Synod of Bishops on young people was held. For years, World Youth Day has been promoted; the next one will be in Seoul, Korea, from August 3 to 8, 2027, with the theme: “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). In the Mexican episcopate’s Global Pastoral Project, there is a very clear focus on adolescents and young people. In all these efforts, much emphasis is placed on bringing them closer to Jesus Christ, as the only way of life and truth. This is what some young people in Pijijiapan, Chiapas, told me during a pastoral visit: “Tell the priests and nuns not to impose so many dynamics on us, but to speak to us more about Jesus Christ.”

LIGHTNING

Pope Leo XIV, in line with what previous Popes have said, has just said to almost a million young people gathered in Rome for their Jubilee:

“Friendship with Christ, which is the foundation of faith, is not just one aid among many others for building the future; it is our North Star. Therefore, the encounter with Jesus corresponds to the deepest hopes of our hearts, because He is the Love of God made man. Jesus is the friend who always accompanies us in the formation of our consciences. If you truly want to encounter the Risen Lord, listen to his word, which is the Gospel of salvation. Reflect on your way of life and seek justice to build a more humane world. Serve the poor and thus bear witness to the good we would always like to receive from our neighbors. Adore Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, the source of eternal life. Study, work, and love, following the example of Jesus, the good Teacher who always walks at our side.

At every step, as we seek what is good, let us ask: Stay with us, Lord. Stay with us, for without you, we cannot do the good we desire. You want our good; indeed, you are our good. Those who find you also want others to find you, for your word is a light brighter than any star, illuminating even the darkest night” (2-August-2025).

“There is a deep restlessness in our hearts, a need for truth that we cannot ignore, which leads us to ask ourselves: what is happiness really? What is the true flavor of life? What frees us from the swamps, from meaninglessness, from boredom, and from mediocrity? Our hope is Jesus. Let us remain united to Him, let us remain in His friendship, always, cultivating it with prayer, adoration, Eucharistic communion, frequent confession, and generous charity. Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less. Then you will see the light of the Gospel grow every day, within you and around you. Continue walking joyfully in the footsteps of the Savior, and spread the enthusiasm and witness of your faith to those you meet” (Homily, August 3, 2025).

“Yes, with Christ it is possible! With his love, with his forgiveness, with the strength of his Spirit. United to Jesus, like branches to the vine, you will bear much fruit; you will be the salt of the earth, the light of the world; you will be seeds of hope wherever you live: in your family, with your friends, at school, at work, in sports. Seeds of hope with Christ, our hope. Bring this joy, this enthusiasm to the whole world. You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world” (Angelus 3 August 2025).

ACTIONS

Parents, educators, nuns, and priests, let us bring young people closer to Jesus, because only He will make them profoundly happy; they will be good children, good citizens, and builders of a better world.