Apostolic nuncio in Ghana challenges West African youth to transform Africa

ACCRA, Ghana — The representative of the Holy Father in Ghana has challenged young Catholics from across West Africa to reject fear, build friendships rooted in faith, and embrace their responsibility as the “today of God” in the Church and their countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the first-ever West African Youth Day (WAYD) in Accra on Tuesday, Archbishop Julien Kaboré said young people should not see themselves as victims of the challenges facing their societies or as a generation forced to wait for its opportunity to make a difference.

Instead, he said, young West Africans are already needed by the Church and their countries.

“Do not lose hope. You are not a sacrificed generation. You are not a lost generation. You are not a generation without a future,” the apostolic nuncio said.

The archbishop acknowledged that many young people are growing up amid uncertainty, insecurity, violence, and anxiety about what the future holds. Yet, he said, these realities should not determine how they understand themselves or their place in society.

The Church, he explained, recognizes young people as having an active role in the life of the Church and the world.

“In the…