Zagreb Woman Asks Pope a Question
Pope Leo XIV in Assisi answered Karolina Kompes's question about the authenticity of Christian witness, emphasizing the importance of the Franciscan heritage and the call for Christians to be peacemakers.
Pope Leo XIV in Assisi answered Karolina Kompes's question about the authenticity of Christian witness, emphasizing the importance of the Franciscan heritage and the call for Christians to be peacemakers.
Karolina Kompes, speaking about her upbringing in Franciscan parishes, asked the Pope: "Holy Father, what advice would you give to us young people who have grown up in Franciscan spirituality to remain authentic disciples of Christ and bring hope to our peers, without losing the joy of the Gospel, simplicity of heart, and that closeness to people that makes every Christian witness credible?"
Pope Leo XIV thanked her for her testimony, noting that Kompes spoke of "a style of simplicity, fraternity, and closeness that helped her mature in faith and grow as a member of a community open to all."
The Holy Father recalled that this testimony is born "in a part of Europe that, only thirty years ago, experienced war and a dangerous intertwining of religious belonging and nationalism." He emphasized the historical role of the Franciscan heritage in building peace, saying: "The presence of Franciscans has for centuries inspired dialogue and helped the peaceful coexistence of Catholics, Orthodox, and Muslims."
The Pope warned that this tradition is becoming even more necessary today. "Today, remaining faithful to this tradition of closeness means going against the current: working to heal historical memory and persistently building reconciliation," he said.
He particularly warned against the danger of abusing religion, stating: "Christians will increasingly be called to be peacemakers in societies tempted to use religion as a means of pitting different identities against each other."
The Pope brought the example of Saint Francis of Assisi closer to the young people, emphasizing that his evangelical radicalism is the opposite of fundamentalism. "From Saint Francis of Assisi, we can learn the true meaning of evangelical radicalism. It is precisely the opposite of fundamentalism. It does not make a person blind or violent, but sensitive, attentive, and always focused on following Jesus. Therefore, it makes a person humble and open to accepting everyone. This is not easy, but it brings great joy," he said.
Continuing the meeting, the Holy Father encouraged the young people to be witnesses of faith through personal relationships. "Dear young people, how beautiful it is to talk about God together and, in the light of his presence, to talk about life itself, its beauty, its mystery, and its seriousness," he said.
He added a powerful call for today's times: "Witness such a way of life everywhere, especially in a time when technology is gradually turning us away from real communion, from face-to-face encounters with real people."
Speaking of the example of Saint Francis, the Pope concluded: "Saint Francis understood that choosing poverty can bring closer those who are distant, encourage encounter, and open space for the exchange of gifts."
After the meeting with the young people, the Pope greeted the Franciscans and participated in the Eucharistic celebration in the basilica. Bitno.net published a video that summarizes the most significant moments of the Pope's visit to Assisi in one minute.
