Pope Francis warns: Mafia threatens Sicily and the youth!

Pope Francis warns: Mafia threatens Sicily and the youth!

Vatican City, December 6th, 2024 - At an audience for theology students and teachers from Catania, Pope Francis found clear words about the mafia and corruption as central obstacles to the development of Sicily. “The mafia makes everyone poorer,” he stressed, warning that it not only endangers the island’s natural and cultural resources, but also encourages the brain drain of young talent. Francis called on young people to actively work on the future of their homeland and to promote a culture of transparency in order to oppose mafia-related exploitation. This was reported by the “Vatican News” platform.

The Pope urged students to work for the common good and to educate new generations to combat existing poverty. “Sicily needs men and women who look to the future with hope,” he said. Francis also pointed out the challenge of integrating migrants, including Muslim immigrants, into society. “I ask you to be hospitable and to be creative in fraternity,” he urged those present to warmly welcome the migrants and help them integrate, as “Vatican News” reported.

Key themes: hope and women's roles

Another important topic in his address was the increasing number of female theology students, which he described as a “sign of the times”. Francis encouraged women to take responsibility in the church and society and referred to strong role models such as the Sicilian martyrs Agatha and Lucia. At the end of his speech, he asked those present not to give up: “Whining is something for people who lack courage,” he emphasized and called on them to move forward with hope. In doing so, he sent a strong signal for renewal and optimism in Sicily's challenging social landscape.