Brother Matthew says young people seek real connection with God and community in divided world
Following a recent private audience with Pope Leo XIV, Brother Matthew has shared reflections on the spiritual challenges facing young people today, pointing to a growing desire for authentic connection with both God and others. Speaking after the meeting, he highlighted the Pope’s strong concern for youth living in a world shaped by isolation, conflict, and digital overload. He noted that many young people, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, are experiencing a deep sense of loneliness, even while being constantly connected through technology, and are searching for meaning beyond surface level interaction.
Brother Matthew described his encounter with the Pope as one marked by attentive listening and a shared focus on unity and peace, themes central to both the Taizé Community and the wider Church. He emphasized that true listening does not require agreement but creates space for dialogue and unexpected steps toward reconciliation. In a global climate where public discourse is often dominated by division and confrontation, he suggested that rediscovering the ability to listen with respect is essential for rebuilding trust and fostering cooperation, both within the Church and across societies facing tension and fragmentation.
Reflecting on the mission of the Taizé Community, Brother Matthew said its origins during a time of war continue to shape its approach today, particularly in responding to contemporary conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East. He warned against the growing danger of indifference, especially in Western societies where distant conflicts can be easily ignored. According to his perspective, such indifference weakens both human solidarity and spiritual responsibility, as the suffering of others is closely tied to fundamental questions of freedom, faith, and human dignity. He encouraged maintaining connections with those affected by conflict, even through simple acts such as communication and prayer.
Addressing the spiritual dimension of this challenge, he acknowledged that while indifference can affect anyone, the Gospel calls believers to remain attentive to the needs of others. He stressed that prayer plays a vital role in sustaining awareness and compassion, helping individuals remain spiritually awake even when direct action may not be possible. At the same time, he recognized the reality of emotional limits, noting that constant exposure to suffering can lead to what is often described as compassion fatigue. In this context, he called for balance, understanding that each person has different capacities while still remaining open to solidarity and care.
Turning to the experience of young people visiting Taizé, Brother Matthew observed that many arrive from isolated backgrounds yet quickly discover a sense of belonging through shared prayer and community life. He highlighted the unexpected importance of silence in this process, noting that despite living in a world of constant noise and information, many young people are deeply drawn to moments of quiet reflection. This silence, he explained, allows them to encounter a deeper presence and begin to articulate a spiritual longing that they may not yet fully understand, revealing an innate desire for meaning rooted in faith.
Looking ahead to future gatherings, including major youth events in Europe, he emphasized the importance of creating inclusive spaces where young people from different backgrounds can meet, share experiences, and grow together. He pointed to the increasing participation of young people from regions affected by conflict, particularly Ukraine, as a sign of the need for unity and support within the broader human family. In these encounters, he said, young people discover that despite differences, they share common hopes and struggles, reinforcing the belief that community and faith remain essential foundations for navigating an uncertain and divided world.
