Pakistan Archbishop Urges Youth to Become Peacemakers at St. Francis Jubilee Celebration

More than 300 Catholics gathered in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, on Aug. 1 to celebrate International Youth Day and the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, with a call for young people to become ambassadors of peace and reconciliation.

The celebration began with a Eucharistic Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, followed by a cultural program at St. Anthony's College Hall, bringing together young people, clergy, women religious, and parishioners from across the Archdiocese of Lahore.

Presiding over the Mass, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat said faith formation equips young people to become agents of peace in their families, communities, and society.

Drawing inspiration from the life of St. Francis of Assisi, whose death the Church is commemorating in a global jubilee year, Archbishop Rehmat encouraged young Catholics to embrace humility, simplicity, care for creation, and service to others.

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace," the archbishop said, quoting the well-known Franciscan prayer as he urged young people to become peacemakers in a world marked by conflict and division.

He noted that the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' death offers an opportunity to renew the saint's legacy of fraternity, dialogue, and reconciliation, values that remain relevant in today's society.

As part of the celebration, Archbishop Rehmat inaugurated a Peace Signature Chart, inviting participants to pledge themselves as ambassadors of peace. He was joined by youth leaders, clergy, women religious, and parish representatives in signing the commitment.

The cultural program highlighted the spirituality and witness of St. Francis through dramatic presentations, music, and dance. Young participants reflected on the saint's conversion and his enduring message of peace, compassion, and respect for creation.

Komal Maria, one of the youth participants, said the celebration inspired her to put the Franciscan message into practice.

"St. Francis teaches us that peace begins with simple actions in our daily lives, and signing this chart gives us a concrete way to live out that mission as peace ambassadors," she said.

The observance forms part of the worldwide commemoration of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' death in 1226. Throughout the jubilee year, Franciscan communities around the world are promoting initiatives that encourage prayer, simplicity, care for creation, interreligious dialogue, and service to those in need.

The Archdiocese of Lahore said the celebration reaffirmed its commitment to forming young Catholics who can contribute to building peaceful and compassionate communities in Pakistan.