Assisi: Pope Leo XIV's visit to Assisi has left a deep impression on young Catholics, with many describing it as a powerful reminder that the Church walks with its people through their hopes, struggles and daily lives. At the end of the Pope's Mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a young participant thanked the Holy Father on behalf of those gathered, saying his presence had made them truly feel part of the Church.
Francesco Varone, speaking before the final blessing, expressed gratitude for the Pope's visit and said it had been much more than a ceremonial occasion. He described it as an embrace from the Successor of Saint Peter and a sign that the Pope remains close to the faithful, especially young people searching for hope and direction in today's world.
Varone said Pope Leo's presence encouraged young people not to be afraid of choosing what is good and believing that the Gospel still has the power to transform hearts and lives. He said many young people today struggle with feelings of isolation, uncertainty and division, making the message they received in Assisi especially meaningful.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Varone acknowledged that many young men and women experience loneliness and a sense of fragmentation in modern society. However, he said their time together in Assisi had shown them that faith creates genuine unity and reminds them that they are never alone.
He explained that gathering in the city of Saint Francis had allowed them to experience the message that Jesus brings people together despite their differences. He also referred to Pope Leo XIV's episcopal motto, "In Illo uno," which means "In the One, we are one," saying it reflected the spirit of the gathering.
According to Varone, the experience helped the young people understand that in Christ there is no place for exclusion. No one is considered a stranger, he said, because all people are brothers and sisters who share the same Heavenly Father. This message of unity and belonging resonated strongly with those attending the Mass.
As his remarks came to a close, Varone made a heartfelt request to the Pope. Speaking with the simplicity of a son addressing his father, he asked Pope Leo not to forget the young people in his prayers.
He specifically requested prayers that they would always have the courage to choose Christ, even when faced with the many distractions and pressures of modern life. He also prayed that they would be able to recognize the voice of Jesus amid the constant noise of the world and dedicate their youth to serving others with generosity and faith.
His words reflected the hopes of many young Catholics attending the Franciscan Youth Meeting in Assisi, where Pope Leo had earlier encouraged participants to move beyond fear, discouragement and resignation. During the celebration, the Pope urged young people to become witnesses of hope by reaching out to those who suffer and by helping to build a more compassionate and united world.
Varone concluded his address by thanking Pope Leo for making the young people feel that they truly belong to the Church. He said the Pope's presence had strengthened their faith and reminded them that they have an important place within the Christian community.
The warm exchange between Pope and the young representative captured the spirit of the gathering in Assisi, highlighting the Church's desire to remain close to younger generations. It also reflected the central message of the day that faith in Christ overcomes loneliness, builds unity and gives young people the courage to live lives of service, hope and love.