Pope praises young people on environmental efforts

Pope Francis praised young people on Sunday for their efforts to protect the Earth's environment and told them to "be the critical conscience of society." Francis celebrated Mass in St. Peter's Basilica to mark a church day focused on youth in dioceses worldwide.

Francis expressed thanks "for all those times when you cultivate the dream of fraternity, work to heal the wounds of God's creation." He noted that many young people have criticized "environmental contamination." Social justice and care of the environment have been key messages of his papacy.

The pope is expected to meet with young people from all over the world at the Catholic Church's jamboree in Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023.