Pope Francis has repeatedly expressed his concern about the problem of youth suicide. In recent months, he has mourned the fact that young people are taking their own lives.
During the return flight from WYD in Lisbon, the Pope once again addressed this issue. He recalled his conversation with a young man who had struggled with suicidal thoughts.
POPE FRANCIS
At the end he said, 'Thank you because last year I was undecided whether to (commit suicide) or not.' So many anxious, depressed, young people but not only psychologically.
I am not saying it is an everyday thing, but it is a problem. It is a real problem.
In May of this year, the Pope dedicated a General Audience to hope. He took this opportunity to invite the faithful to turn their attention to young people who have lost the will to live.
POPE FRANCIS
Think of how many young people, how many young people cannot stand their own scars and seek in suicide a way of salvation. Today, in our cities, many, many young people who see no way out, who have no hope and prefer to go further with drugs, with forgetting...poor things.
Pope Francis has repeatedly stressed that suicide among young people is no small problem.
POPE FRANCIS
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, I would like, to remember our brothers and sisters affected by mental disorders and also the victims, often young, of suicide. Let us pray for them and for their families, so that they are not left alone or discriminated against, but welcomed and supported.
During Palm Sunday Mass this year, Pope Francis referenced those abandoned by society, and among them, he included young people who are contemplating suicide.
POPE FRANCIS
Sick people left unvisited, disabled people ignored, young people who feel a great emptiness inside them without anyone really listening to their cry of sorrow. They find no other way but suicide. The abandoned of today. The Christs of today.
The World Health Organization states that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 29. For this reason, in 2021, it published a guide to prevent suicide and develop a strategy to support mental health among young people.
PA
TR: KG
