In mid-January, just a month prior to his hospitalization, the late Pope Francis recorded a poignant video message aimed at the youth, emphasizing the vital skill of active listening in conversations. This previously unseen footage, captured on January 8, features the Pope addressing young participants in a series of “Listening Workshops.”
These workshops, an initiative established in Italy by Luca Drusian, are designed to promote meaningful dialogue among young people and adults on various topics. The goal is to foster an environment where the joys of being heard and the art of listening to one another can be explored deeply.
The video was released on Sunday, following the day of the late Pope’s Requiem Mass, by the Italian weekly magazine Oggi (“Today”). In the intimate setting of Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis warmly urged young people to always make it a priority to “listen to your grandparents,” highlighting the invaluable wisdom they offer.
“Dear boys and girls, one of the most important things in life is to listen—to learn how to listen,” he affirmed. “When someone speaks to you, allow them the space to finish their thoughts so you can truly understand their perspective. Then, if you feel inspired, respond, but remember that the essence of communication starts with attentive listening.”
The late Pope poignantly observed that many individuals struggle with being present in the moment, often too preoccupied with formulating their own responses while others are speaking. “Look closely at people—many don’t truly listen,” he commented. “Before the other person has even completed their explanation, they’re ready to respond, and that approach does not nurture peace. Therefore, listen—listen generously.”
This heartfelt video message came at a significant time, as hundreds of thousands of teenagers from around the world had gathered in Rome to celebrate the Jubilee of Teenagers. On that particular Sunday, approximately 200,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square to partake in Mass, which marked the second day of the Novemdiales, a period of “nine days” of mourning for Pope Francis.
Although the Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday served as a tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin took the opportunity to encourage the youth to embrace the late Pope’s teachings on mercy. He inspired them to reflect on how they could foster peace within their personal relationships and contribute to a more harmonious world, thus carrying forward the values advocated by Pope Francis.
