Vatican City – Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, has underscored the urgent need for focused investment in young people, warning that a lack of opportunity and hope leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and extremist ideologies. Speaking at the fourth installment of the “Reception Course” near Rome on March 10, 2026, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the critical role of providing a viable future for the next generation amidst a confluence of global challenges.
The Cardinal’s remarks, delivered during a dialogue with Professor Vincenzo Buonomo, centered on the realities facing youth today – their contributions, their marginalization, the obstacles they encounter, and the societal phenomena that impact and even harm them. He highlighted the interconnectedness of issues like migration, declining birth rates, and the rise of extremism, framing them as significant threats to the well-being of young people and the future of society.
Migration and Demographic Shifts
Cardinal Parolin identified migration and integration as an “unresolved challenge,” acknowledging the efforts made by various nations but stressing the need for continued reflection and contribution to find satisfactory solutions. He also addressed the concerning trend of declining birth rates, linking it to anxieties fueled by ongoing conflicts. “War exacerbates the fear of the future, thus reducing the willingness to bring children into the world,” he stated, warning that this widespread concern could jeopardize future generations. He questioned the values driving this trend, asking, “What is the highest value? Self-realization, or offering oneself as a gift? If children are seen as an obstacle to success in society, then the road to new life is blocked.”
The Threat of Extremism and the Need for Opportunity
The Cardinal observed that the vulnerability of youth to extremist ideologies is particularly acute in contexts where they lack access to education, employment, and opportunity. He noted a concerning pattern, stating, “Young people are the ones fighting, on the front lines.” He specifically referenced “many forgotten wars in Africa” and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on young people. According to Vatican News, Cardinal Parolin stressed the importance of providing a vision for the future, as a safeguard against the allure of extremism.
Expanding Youth Participation in Institutions
Cardinal Parolin advocated for greater inclusion of young people in decision-making processes, arguing that their perspectives are essential for developing effective solutions. He criticized the tendency for “only the elderly to participate in negotiations and dialogue,” asserting that “young people should be more involved, not only because the future belongs to them, but also because solutions often come from them.” He called for international institutions to be more open to the contributions of young people, recognizing that the current global landscape differs significantly from the Cold War or post-war eras. He believes a serious reassessment of these institutions is needed, with a focus on incorporating the insights of well-educated youth.
The Importance of Unconditional Love and Value Transmission
Acknowledging the frustrations many young people experience when faced with tasks they feel ill-equipped to handle, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the power of unconditional love and acceptance. “Someone should love them unconditionally, someone should love them regardless of the outcome,” he said, adding that “God loves us regardless of the outcome.” He urged a shift in perspective, highlighting that God “does not require perfection, but loves and values us beyond our achievements.” He also stressed the need to revitalize the transmission of values, traditionally fostered by families, schools, and parishes, noting a current disconnect between these institutions. He warned that the “enemy is often at home,” as young people have access to a vast and unfamiliar world through their mobile devices, necessitating the guidance of respected figures to inspire their lives.
The Church’s Role in Supporting Youth
Cardinal Parolin outlined a two-pronged approach for the Church: “listening” to the voices of young people and “accompanying” them through the challenges they face. He believes the Church can provide an inclusive environment for youth from diverse backgrounds, citing Catholic schools and World Youth Day as examples of successful initiatives. He concluded, “As Catholics, we must open our hearts to listen to them; only in this way can we open our doors to them and their peers.”
The Cardinal’s address underscores a growing global concern about the well-being of young people and the need for proactive measures to address the complex challenges they face. The call for increased investment in youth, coupled with a renewed emphasis on values and inclusion, signals a commitment to fostering a more hopeful and secure future for the next generation. The Vatican’s continued focus on these issues will likely shape its engagement with global leaders and organizations in the coming years.
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