Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

VATICAN CITY — Knowing that one is loved by God and loving God in return provides a firm foundation for building healthy relationships and communities even in a world that seems dark and threatening, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

“In the face of the temptation of discouragement, the complexity of the current crisis and, in particular, the challenge of a peace that seems impossible, the Holy Father urges everyone to become responsible protagonists of change, actively collaborating in the church’s mission in order to give life together to places where Christ’s presence can be seen and touched,” Cardinal Parolin wrote to people attending the Meeting in Rimini, an annual event sponsored by the Communion and Liberation movement.

Writing on behalf of Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin said a joint commitment to sharing God’s love for every person “can generate a new world, where the love that was shown to us in Christ triumphs in the end, and the entire planet becomes a temple of fraternity.”

Hundreds of thousands of people, mostly young adults, were expected to attend conferences, workshops, speeches and concerts offered in Rimini, Italy from Aug. 20-25. The theme for the 2024 gathering was “If we are not after the essence, then what are we after?”

In his message released Aug. 19, Cardinal Parolin said Pope Francis constantly invites Christians to focus on “that which gives meaning to our lives first and foremost by stripping ourselves of that which weighs us down,” following the example of a climber who must rid himself of superfluous items to climb more expeditiously.

Doing so allows people to discover that “the value of human existence does not consist in things or successes achieved but first and foremost in that relationship of love that sustains us,” he said. This relationship roots one's journey in trust and hope: "It is friendship with God," which then reflects "in all other human relationships" grounding joy that will never fail.

“We are loved; this is the essential truth,” Cardinal Parolin wrote. He echoed Father Luigi Giussani's message often emphasized to university students he worked with as founder of Communion and Liberation.

“Returning to Jesus does not mean escaping from reality but is instead necessary for truly immersing oneself in history," he added. It helps individuals face challenges without running away while finding courage "to risk and love even when it seems not worth it" living without fear.

Pope Francis appreciates this theme because focusing on essentials helps individuals take control over their lives making them instruments "of love mercy compassion becoming signs blessing neighbor” according Cardinal Parolin.