The Message of the Holy Father to the young people in preparation for the 34th World Youth Day 2019 which will be celebrated in Panama focuses on the theme: “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1: 38). The Message, disseminated on the day of the celebration of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, concludes a cycle of three Marian messages dedicated to young people journeying between WYD 2016 and WYD 2019.

For the first time, the Message of the Holy Father in preparation for World Youth Day has been made public mainly in the form of a video message, so that he can reach the greatest number of young people and respond to their desire, expressed during the recent Synod process, to communicate with the Church through a language closer to their own.

In his address, the Holy Father addresses all the young people of the world – believers and non-believers alike – encouraging them to discover the characteristic values of youth. He recognizes their willingness to put themselves at the service of others and invites them to put this attitude into practice from a Christian perspective: “To put oneself at the service of one’s neighbour does not just mean being ready for action; we must also engage in dialogue with God, in an attitude of listening, as Mary did. She listened to what the angel told her and then answered”, says the Holy Father.

The video message serves as an instrument of spiritual preparation for the upcoming WYD in Panama 2019 and also as an inspiration for youth ministry throughout the world. The next World Youth Day will be held from 22 to 27 January in Panama.

Video message of Pope Francis for the World Youth Day of Panama:
https://youtu.be/9tQ3Et-6L5c