Pope Francis' final video urges youth to listen

A previously unseen video message recorded by Pope Francis in January was released following his death, in which he urges young people to cultivate the art of listening. Addressed to participants of Italy’s 'Listening Workshops,' the Pope emphasized that truly listening to others—rather than formulating responses while someone is speaking—is essential for understanding and peace. He specifically encouraged youth to listen to their grandparents, noting the wisdom they can impart. The video highlights Pope Francis’s concern that genuine listening is becoming a lost skill in modern society. The release of the message coincided with the late Pope’s funeral and the Jubilee of Teenagers in Rome, where Church leaders called on young people to embrace his teachings on mercy and interpersonal understanding. The funeral drew global dignitaries and pilgrims, reflecting on Francis’s legacy of adapting the Church to contemporary challenges and promoting compassion.