Pope advises young people: 'listen to your grandparents'

This morning, Pope Francis encouraged a group of young people to cultivate their relationships with their grandparents. Speaking with members of the Italian Catholic lay association, 'Azione Cattolica Italiana', the Holy Father spoke of the joy that derives from the coming of Jesus, and said that joy is increased and multiplied when we share it.

He invited the young people to receive the joy of Advent as they would receive a gift and to bear witness to it in their families, schools, parishes and in all places.

The Pope especially invited them to share it with their grandparents, and with elderly people in general, and encouraged them to listen to older people, whom, he said, "have the wisdom of life".

"I would like to give you a task: speak to your grandparents... ask them questions, they have the memory of history, the experience of living, and this is a great gift for you that will help you in your life journey" he said.

Pope Francis also pointed out the grandparents themselves need "to listen to you, understand your aspirations and your hopes... This is your task: speak to your grandparents, listen to them" he said.

The Pope also thanked those present for their commitment for peace and remarked on a 'solidarity' initiative they are carrying forward in favour of young people who live in a degraded area of Naples. "May the Lord bless this project that does good" he said.

'Azione Cattolica Italiana' was established in Italy by Pope Pius X in 1905 as a non-political lay Catholic organization.

Source: Vatican Radio