Pope Francis has asked young people to tell him, their bishops and pastors about their hopes and struggles and even their criticisms.
As the Catholic Church prepares for a meeting of the Synod of Bishops focused on youth, the Pope wrote a letter to young people saying the Church wants "to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith, even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds of souls."
The Pope's letter was released as officials presented the preparatory document for the synod. The document includes a series of questions to be answered by national conferences of bishops and other Church bodies. The responses, along with input from young people themselves, will form the basis of the working document for the synod.
