Pope Leo XIV warned this Thursday of the difficulties faced by a large part of young people, marked by the fear of error, digital loneliness and uncertainty about the future, while calling on Catholic schools and universities to act as a foster home.The pontiff addressed about 1,000 participants in an international congress
on school and university chaplaincy, organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Vatican and scheduled between Thursday and Friday.
A Catholic school that does not classify, but welcomes
Leo XIV described students who walk through the hallways of educational centers feeling anonymous, with "wounded families", feelings of inadequacy or fear of a future they see as "uncertain". He also pointed out that many young people arrive paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes, of not meeting demands or of not living up to what is expected of them.
"We live in a performance-centered culture," the Pope said, warning of an environment that harshly compares and classifies people. In his diagnosis, a "misconceived" meritocracy ends up fueling disrespect and pushing some to give up even before trying.
Faced with this scenario, he asked Catholic centers to help young people to be protagonists of a new way of life, builders of fraternity and a more just society. He also asked them to strengthen their confidence and to value their questions.
The Holy See confirms that there will be no additional treatment
In parallel, the Vatican Press Office reported this Wednesday that Leo XIV will not need any additional treatment after the successful removal of lung cancer.
According to the statement, signed by the pontiff's personal physician, Luigi Carbone, and by the head of the surgical team, Stefano Margaritora, the histological and molecular biology tests performed on the removed material confirmed that it was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized.
The definitive examinations were published after the surgery and, for now, the Vatican has not announced any additional medical steps beyond that confirmation.