Pope Francis prayed last week for workers “crushed by an unbearable burden” amid the COVID-19 recession. At his Jan. 12 general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, the pope asked for a moment’s silence for workers who took their lives after losing their jobs amid the pandemic.
As the YCW, we have heard many stories from young people across our Movement about how the pandemic has had a huge impact on their lives. Through our partnerships and collaborations with others, we have started to collate these experiences and attempt to influence change at the highest levels.
Marc Besford, National President said: “Recently, we participated in a summit across the Christian Churches and put forward the authentic experiences of young people around mental health and loneliness. It was therefore welcome that the Holy Father has chosen to highlight the impact on workers, particularly those who are younger and more insecure.”
Pope Francis commented in his audience: “Many young people, many fathers and mothers, experience the ordeal of not having a job that allows them to live tranquilly, they live from day to day. And how often the search for work becomes so desperate that it drives them to the point of losing all hope and the desire to live,” he said.
In these times of pandemic, many people have lost their jobs — we know this — and some, crushed by an unbearable burden, reached the point of taking their own lives. I would like to remember each of them and their families today.”
The pope also dedicated his general audience to St. Joseph the carpenter.
