Addressing members of the Italian Episcopal Conference’s Policoro Project — an initiative supporting youth employment and ethical entrepreneurship — the Pope praised young people as “the beautiful face of an Italy that does not give up.”
Founded in 1995 to evangelize the world of work, particularly in economically disadvantaged southern Italy, the project now promotes employment opportunities, combats corruption and labor exploitation, and supports social initiatives, including the reuse of assets confiscated from organized crime.
Pope Leo highlighted three essential resources for the mission: the Gospel, Catholic social teaching, and community life. While cautioning against being “enchanted by prophets of doom who see everything negatively,” he also warned against naiveté that ignores real challenges.
He stressed that building a just society requires upholding the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, participation, integral ecology, and peace.
Emphasizing the importance of relationships, the Pope described community as “an incubator of the future,” noting that social, economic, and political development depends on strong networks of trust and cooperation.
The Pope concluded by encouraging young people to draw inspiration from the Church’s rich tradition of social commitmen