Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized the necessity of providing young people with real prospects to prevent them from becoming victims of conflict, extremism, and migration challenges. The Vatican Secretary of State spoke at the 'Cathedra of Hospitality' event in Sacrofano, which focused on Youth and the Church. Parolin noted that youth are currently being forced to fight in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and parts of Africa. He pointed out that a lack of opportunities makes young people susceptible to extremism and other negative influences. Concerns were raised regarding young people's reluctance to have children due to fear or perceived inability to handle responsibility, and their retreat into virtual reality.
3 days ago
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, spoke at the fourth edition of the "Cathedra of Hospitality" in Sacrofano, Italy, on March 10, 2026.1
The event, organized by movements, Third Sector groups, and Rome's Pontifical Lateran University, focused on "Youth and the Church: Hospitality that fosters belonging."1
Parolin emphasized investing in young people to prevent them from becoming "prey" to global risks and to build a future of peace.1
Young people suffer as victims of wars in Ukraine and African regions, often forced to fight on front lines.1
They face extremism, lacking education, work, and opportunities, making them easy targets for radical temptations.1
Migration poses unresolved integration issues, while low birth rates stem from fear of the future, exacerbated by conflict.1
Many youth withdraw into virtual worlds, feel unheard, or struggle with identity, including Christian identity.1
Parolin highlighted low birth rates as contrary to opening to the future, with war fueling fears of hardship.1
Children are increasingly seen as burdens limiting freedom or self-realization, closing paths to new life.1
He contrasted Africa's population growth with the West's decline, urging prospects to counter these trends.1
Extremism preys on disillusioned youth without prospects, prominent in both Western and African contexts.1
Parolin called for greater youth inclusion in institutions, especially international ones needing renewal beyond Cold War frameworks.1
Young people must become protagonists in negotiations, as solutions can emerge from their contributions.1
Youth often feel frustrated and inadequate for heavy responsibilities.1
Parolin advocated presenting a God who loves unconditionally, beyond achievements, to counter this.1
Transmission of values from family, school, and parish is weakened, with "enemies" like smartphones inside homes.1
Authoritative figures and revived Christian identity are essential for inspiration.1
The Church must listen to youth and accompany them through difficulties.1
It can foster integration via Catholic schools and events like World Youth Days.1
Parolin stressed openness to youth as key for Catholics to engage them effectively.1
Promote youth opportunities to deter extremism and conflict involvement
The Catholic Church teaches that investing in youth through education, meaningful relationships, employment, sports, and faith formation is essential to counter the allure of extremism and conflict, fostering instead fraternity, hope, and active participation in society. By addressing youth vulnerabilities like isolation, unemployment, and marginalization, these opportunities build resilient communities rooted in Christ's peace.
Young people today face profound challenges that can draw them toward extremism and violence, including digital isolation, economic insecurity, and social exclusion. Social media often promises connection but delivers "fleeting and often illusory" relationships, leading to loneliness amid superficial "friendships" shaped by algorithms and consumerism. This cultural lens fragments genuine bonds, making youth susceptible to manipulative ideologies that exploit their search for meaning.
Persecution, deceit, and violence persist globally, tempting youth to respond with aggression rather than perseverance. Many express apprehension about forming families, stable employment, and contributing to society, fueling unease and idealism that, if ignored, risks radicalization. Marginalized youth—refugees, the poor, or those in violent environments—are particularly at risk, caught in spirals of drug abuse, trafficking, or armed groups. Without intervention, these experiences scar them for life, perpetuating cycles of violence and distrust.
The Church recognizes this as a "primary duty" of society: attentiveness to youth concerns to prevent misuse of religion for hatred and to promote respect and understanding.
Pope Leo XIV emphasizes friendship with Christ as the source of fraternity, which counters division and suspicion. This "warmth" and "flavor" of selfless closeness overcomes indifference, urging youth to build bridges, sow trust, and engage in "political charity" for equality. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom 12:21), he echoes, calling youth to persevere with hope amid obstacles.
Earlier teachings reinforce this: youth must be educated to value life, serve the common good, and see "new things" (Is 42:9; 48:6), transforming culture through truth rather than lies. Pope John Paul II warned against excluding youth from the Church's influence, vital for pacification. Pope Francis stresses barring marginalization and empowering youth in dialogue, not as passive recipients but as Gospel bearers.
Synodality amplifies this: the Church must listen to youth voices, especially the weak and lonely, integrating their charisms into mission. Participation stems from Christ's heart, carrying the world's sufferings and fostering maturity beyond self-interest.
The Church proposes concrete opportunities to channel youth energy positively:
Education and Formation: A "suitable scholastic system" prepares youth for real-world contributions, with family policies enabling parental roles. Leaders must encourage youth as future decision-makers for unity and prosperity, countering violence through moral education.
Employment and Social Engagement: Addressing job scarcity builds hope; Church ministries like Catholic Charities support vulnerable youth, reminding them of God's unconditional love.
Sports and Community Activities: Sport engages marginalized youth, drawing them from gangs, drugs, and violence as a "work of mercy." Christian communities worldwide use it for positive transformation.
Faith and Ecclesial Participation: Encounters with Christ via prayer, sacraments, and the Rosary ensure youth feel "never alone," loved, and encouraged. Advisory bodies like the IYAB amplify youth input on Church mission. Parishes and movements foster true friendships, countering digital illusions.
These align with calls to volunteerism, interreligious dialogue, and rejecting superficial pleasures for dreams of justice.
| Opportunity Type | Key Benefits per Catholic Sources | Examples of Deterrence |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Prepares for family, work, society; defends common good | Prevents spirals of violence, builds leaders |
| Employment/Social Aid | Addresses unease, supports marginalized | Counters isolation leading to extremism |
| Sports | Engages at-risk youth as mercy work | Draws from drugs, gangs, trafficking |
| Faith Formation | Fraternity via Christ; Rosary for hope | Overcomes evil with good, builds bridges |
Society must not restrict the Church's mission with youth, essential for peace. International cooperation combats child trafficking and violence, while leaders promote religious freedom and trust. The Church offers humanitarian aid freely, proclaiming the Gospel amid difficulties. Recent synodal efforts empower youth as protagonists, not tokens.
Pope Leo XIV entrusts youth to Mary, urging joyful witness. All are called to immerse in Christ, speaking for the excluded.
Promoting youth opportunities deters extremism by nurturing fraternity, hope, and purpose, as Magisterial teachings from Popes Leo XIV, Francis, and John Paul II consistently affirm. Prioritizing education, jobs, sports, and faith counters isolation and violence, building a "more human and fraternal" world. Society and the Church must act urgently, listening and empowering youth as peace artisans.