In a letter read out at the synod closing Mass, bishops wrote to young people “our frailties and sins must not be an obstacle for your trust.” The Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica concluded the 2018 Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith, and vocational discernment which began Oct. 3. His Holiness Pope Francis asked young people for forgiveness on behalf of all adults in his homily at the Mass.
As reported by Catholic Herald, The synod fathers in a letter published Oct. 28 wrote “Our weaknesses should not deter you. The Church is your mother; she does not abandon you.” “I would like to say to the young people, in the name of all of us adults: forgive us if often we have not listened to you, if, instead of opening our hearts, we have filled your ears,” His Holiness Pope Francis said. “As Christ’s Church, we want to listen to you with love, certain of two things: that your lives are precious in God’s eyes, because God is young and loves young people, and that your lives are precious in our eyes too, and indeed necessary for moving forward,” he continued.
His Holiness Pope Francis often emphasized the importance of listening throughout the nearly month-long meeting of 266 bishops.
