POPE Leo XIV issued a dual call for realism and hope on Saturday, urging young Italian workers to resist the lure of “prophets of doom” while simultaneously cautioning them against naiveté in the face of social challenges.
The appeal came during a meeting at the Vatican with members of the Italian Episcopal Conference’s “Policoro Project,” an initiative dedicated to supporting young people in finding employment and combating corruption.
In a lively address, the Pope lauded the young participants as “the beautiful face of an Italy that does not give up, that does not resign itself, that rolls up its sleeves and gets back on its feet.”
The Policoro Project, founded in 1995 by Fr. Mario Operti, began as a mission to evangelise the world of work in the economically disadvantaged southern Italy, an area plagued by organised crime.
The Pope praised its evolution, particularly its work against labour exploitation and its transformation of assets confiscated from the mafia into social enterprises and business incubators for the young.
Pope Leo acknowledged the difficult context facing the nation, describing it as a time of “demographic winter” and depopulation in fragile areas where young people risk becoming “discouraged and withdrawing into themselves.”
It is precisely in this environment, he stated, that their enthusiasm and sensitivity are needed “even in the most resistant environments.”
Guiding the project’s mission, the Pope explained, is a “compass” comprised of the Gospel and the Church’s social teaching, which provides the tools to “interpret reality.” He, however, offered a sharp piece of advice to the activists: “Do not be enchanted by prophets of doom who see everything negatively, but neither be naïve enough to think that everything is fine.”
He outlined the principles essential for building a society in line with God’s plan, including the centrality of the human person, the common good, solidarity, and integral ecology.
Central to this vision, he stressed, is the community, which serves as an “incubator of the future.”
In a culture that promotes isolation and the “myth of the lone genius,” the Pope insisted that progress depends on “experts in social relationships.”
He added, “When community life grows, in society as in the Church, we create the conditions for life to flourish.”
Separately on Saturday, the Pope met with two religious congregations – the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles – encouraging them to continue their missions in the world’s most difficult regions and to be a “reflection of God’s love.”
The audiences marked significant anniversaries: the 200th anniversary of the Papal approval of the Oblates’ Rules and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles.
The Pope noted their common origins in France and their shared “missionary vocation.”
Addressing the Missionary Oblates, founded by St. Eugène de Mazenod, Pope Leo recalled how the bishop focused on evangelising the poor and exploited during a turbulent period in Europe.
“He powerfully spoke and acted in defense of the dignity of the poor, workers and peasants who were exploited as a mere source of labor,” the Pope said. He commended the order’s current global presence of over 3,000 religious in 70 countries, urging them to continue their ministry with a “preferential openness to the least among us.”
Turning to the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, the Pope highlighted their founder’s vision of ensuring the “indispensable presence of women” in missionary work, inspired by the Virgin Mary’s role in the early Church.
He acknowledged the great sacrifices made by the sisters throughout history, noting that for many, their “yes” cost them their lives through disease or martyrdom.
He encouraged the congregation – now with over 600 sisters in 21 countries – to persevere in their presence in difficult situations, becoming “ever more authentic witnesses of fraternity and of peace.”
In both addresses, the thread of community was paramount. To the religious congregations, he emphasised that a “family spirit” is essential and “arises first and foremost from their encounter with God, from the Eucharist, from prayer… which makes us a reflection of God’s love in the world.”
He urged them to draw from this “river of holiness” to foster communion and affection, ensuring their mission endures in a world desperately in need of hope.
