Pope apologises to young people who have felt ignored by the Church

Speaking on behalf of all adult Catholics, Pope Francis formally closed the Synod of Bishops by asking young people for forgiveness.

"Forgive us if often we have not listened to you; if, instead of opening our hearts, we have filled your ears. As Christ's Church, we want to listen to you with love" because young people's lives are precious in God's eyes and "in our eyes, too," the Pope said in his homily.

The Mass, celebrated in St Peter's Basilica, closed a month-long synod on young people, faith and vocational discernment. The Pope thanked the 300 synod members, experts, observers and ecumenical delegates for working in communion, with frankness and with the desire to serve God's people.