The Conference of Bishops of France has published a "Letter to Young Catholics of France" as many high school and university students voice their concerns about their future. The text acknowledges a search for meaning and a deep anxiety about the changes in today's world, as well as a lack of prospects that many young people consider unsatisfactory. It speaks directly to Catholics involved in these mobilizations, calling on them to act in accordance with their faith.
The bishops recall that the demonstrations, which were legitimate and authorized, were accompanied by violence, damage, looting and clashes, which has left deep bitterness among all those who believe in peace. The text follows a gathering held three weeks ago at the Stade de France around Pope Leo XIV, during a prayer vigil. A few days later, the protest movement began in high schools before spreading to universities.
At this vigil, the Pope told the young people: "You are the saints of France." He invited them to take their place and to become "the actors of a story that moves from confusion to the search for truth." To guide this mission, he offered them three verbs that appeal to their freedom: avoid, strive and fight.
To avoid, according to the Pope, means to flee "pride, violence, greed." To strive toward justice toward humanity, piety and faith toward God, charity toward all, patience toward those who cause suffering, and the gentleness of those who seek peace with a pure heart. As for the fight, the letter specifies that it must be waged for what one believes to be just, but always as a Christian: "Our fight is not a fight against others; it does not use the weapons of violence, contempt or oppression. Our only weapon is that of self-giving love."
The bishops invite each young person to reflect on the concrete ways of bearing witness to their faith today. They stress that France is a democracy in which it is possible to commit oneself to what one believes is just and to express one's ideas. They encourage prayer, alone or in teams, within the chaplaincy, a prayer group or an association, in order to discern where the Lord is waiting for each person. The text finally reminds young people that they are not alone on this path of holiness, that they are united with their brothers and sisters and supported by the saints, and that they rely on the victory of Christ "who saves us from all evil and invites us to do all kinds of good."
The letter is signed by Bishop Jean-Philippe Nault, bishop responsible for Youth Ministry, and by Father Christophe Danset, national delegate for Youth Ministry. It is dated 22 October 2026 in Paris and concludes with a call to courage: "You are the Saints of France, and we count on you to witness with joy to our faith!"