Become the "New Saints the World Needs".

The Pope's visit to Assisi for the Jubilee marking the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis... Met with some 2,500 European youths and offered advice on vocational discernment, urging young people to "become the new saints that the world needs today."

The Mass was concelebrated by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and Cardinal Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, among others. The "Go! Franciscan Youth Meeting" was a four-day event for young people aged 18 to 33 from across Europe, drawing a total of approximately 2,500 participants. In his homily during Mass, the Pope stated, "Today, Europe and the entire world look to young people to become the new saints," urging them to "have the courage to believe in the Gospel and to become fully human within the freedom offered by Jesus Christ." He further called upon them to "unite the best strengths of your remarkable humanity—your studies, talents, work, friendships, love, and prayers—to keep the vision of Saint Francis alive in diverse ways."

He also emphasized, "The reason Saint Francis continues to inspire so many people, even 800 years after his passing, lies in his courage to leave behind a familiar way of life and follow the path of Jesus more faithfully."

Before the Mass, the Pope offered advice on vocational discernment to the young people gathered in the square in front of the basilica.

"The deepest vocation inscribed in every human heart is a call to communion," the Pope said, stressing that "while sin may obscure this truth, every vocation is simultaneously a journey toward salvation and healing." He added, "Jesus' invitation to follow Him reveals our own dignity and teaches us to respect the dignity of others by becoming people worthy of their trust."

Reflecting on his own vocation, the Pope remarked, "I can say that the Lord has never left me alone," noting that he had "discovered the light by which the Lord has guided me to this day—as a priest, a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, and a missionary."

After conversing with the young people in the square, the Pope met with representatives of the various Franciscan religious families in the basilica’s cloister before presiding over the Mass. The entrance procession began outside the basilica, and the Pope blessed the young people attending the Mass in the square under the midsummer sun. During the homily, the Pope recited the well-known "Prayer of St. Francis" with the faithful, and after the Mass, he visited the Porziuncola Chapel—where the Franciscan Order originated—to pray.