Pope Francis’ final message to youth: listen deeply, live peacefully

A newly surfaced video from January 8 captures the late Pope Francis delivering heartfelt advice to young participants of the “Listening Workshops” — a project in Italy founded by Luca Drusian to foster dialogue between generations.

Released by Oggi magazine a day after Pope Francis’ Requiem Mass, the video shows him speaking from Casa Santa Marta, urging youth to treasure the art of listening. “Listen to your grandparents — they have so much wisdom to share,” he emphasized.

“One of the greatest skills in life is learning how to truly listen,” the late Pope said. “Allow others to finish speaking, truly absorb their words, and then reply if you wish — but always listen first.”

He pointed out a common flaw: many respond halfway through a conversation without hearing the full message, which disrupts understanding and peace. “Watch carefully,” he warned. “You’ll see how often people interrupt. Listening is essential to harmony.”

This touching video was made public as throngs of teenagers gathered in Rome to mark the Jubilee of Teenagers. Roughly 200,000 people packed St. Peter’s Square for the second Novemdiales Mass, honoring the memory of Pope Francis.

Although Divine Mercy Sunday’s Mass was dedicated to suffrage for the late Pontiff, Cardinal Pietro Parolin called on the young crowd to carry forward Francis’ teachings on mercy and listening — vital steps toward healing personal bonds and building a more peaceful world.

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