"Dear Young People, do not be afraid to share with others the hope and joy of the risen Christ! Nurture the spark that has been kindled in you, but at the same time share it," wrote Pope Francis in his message for World Youth Day 2023.

In his Message for the 38th World Youth Day titled, “Rejoicing in Hope” [Rom 12:12], Pope Francis invites young people to take care of their hope by:

• taking time to pray so that the spark that is lit within is not smothered by everyday concerns;

• sharing words of hope, especially through social media, rather than passing on bad news; and

• adopting a lifestyle of concrete actions based on hope, sensitive to the needs of others and rooted in the reality of daily life.

‘Hope’ will lead young people over the next two years towards the Jubilee Year 2025 which is themed “Pilgrims of Hope”.

The Theme for the local WYD event in November 2024 has been announced as, Those who hope in the Lord shall walk without growing weary" [Isaiah 40:31].

Read Pope Francis’ Message for World Youth Day 2023

Download the Poster ‘ pdf Sowers of Hope (936 KB) ’.

Return to Sandpiper e-News issue 68 (4 December 2023)