Pope Francis wants a mess after WYD 2013

We all suspected something different was happening when the newly elected Pope first knelt down and asked for the people’s prayers before he gave his first blessing. It seems however that Pope Francis has exceeded those expectations and as his papacy continues he challenges the young people of the world at World Youth Day to be agents of the Holy Spirit. When asked about his hopes for World Youth Day Pope Francis replied:

“What is it that I expect as a consequence of World Youth Day? I want a mess. We knew that in Rio there would be great disorder, but I want trouble in the dioceses! […] I want to see the church get closer to the people. I want to get rid of clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes, schools or structures. Because these need to get out!”

It’s a bold challenge to young people in Ireland to work with their priests, bishops, religious and other laity to challenge and encourage in order to shape the Church of the future. It’s an unsettling message for some, but the movement of the Holy Spirit offers hope as well as invites us to be prophetic in a world that needs to hear a message of faith, hope and love. Pope Francis went on to thank all the pilgrims for their testament of faith that they are showing the world by their presence, in spite of cold and rainy conditions. “Now you are showing that that your faith is stronger than the cold and the rain!” he said.