Pope in Assisi, crowd with youth. 'Christians opposite fundamentalism.'

Pope Leo arrived in Assisi for the GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic young people eager to greet him.

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To Christians it will always be more asked to become operators of peace within societies tempted to instrumentalize religion in the contraposition of identities.

Upon his arrival at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Pope immediately engaged with the waiting youth, shaking hands, offering blessings, and accepting embraces. Many young attendees captured the moment with their smartphones.

In his address, the Pope encouraged Christians to become "operators of peace" in societies that risk using religion to fuel identity conflicts. He urged them to broaden their minds and hearts, overcoming fears fueled by misinformation and prejudice, and to resist a "culture of power."

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From St. Francis, learn evangelical radicality, which is the opposite of fundamentalism: it does not make you blind and violent, but sensitive, attentive, and therefore humble, welcoming towards all.

Drawing inspiration from St. Francis, the Pope exhorted the youth to learn "evangelical radicality," which he described as the antithesis of fundamentalism. This radicality, he explained, does not lead to blindness or violence but fosters sensitivity, attentiveness, humility, and openness to all.

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Your presence among us today takes on a particularly intense meaning. In this year dedicated to the Centenary of the Transit of St. Francis, thousands of young people from all over Europe have gathered around the Porziuncola to share a journey of faith, hope, and fraternity.

The Pope was welcomed by various dignitaries, including Archbishop Felice Accrocca of Assisi, Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano, Umbria Region President Stefania Proietti, and local officials. He was also greeted by the general ministers of the Franciscan Orders upon his arrival at the Convent.

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Here at the Porziuncola, St. Francis understood his vocation; here he welcomed the first brothers; here St. Clare consecrated her life to the Lord; here the indulgence of the Pardon of Assisi flourished, a sign of God's boundless mercy.