"Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem farthest away, most indifferent. The Lord seeks all, he wants everyone to feel the warmth of his mercy and his love."
He appealed in particular to the youth of Latin America to proclaim the Gospel in their homes "with fresh power." The best tool for evangelizing young people, he said, is "another young person."
Pope Francis' second point about evangelization was "do not be afraid." Being a Christian does not require "particular preparation," he said, but a realization that Christ accompanies us.
"When we go to proclaim Christ, it is he himself who goes before us and guides us."
Not only is Christ with us when we go on mission, but the Church and the communion of saints accompany us as well, because "we are sent together," the Pope reminded the pilgrims.
"When we face challenges together, then we are strong, we discover resources we did not know we had. Jesus did not call the Apostles to live in isolation, he called them to form a group, a community."
Pope Francis added that service is an important aspect of evangelization. The "new song" sung to the Lord "does not consist of words, it is not a melody," he said, but is rather "the song of your life, it is allowing our life to be identified with that of Jesus. It is sharing his sentiments … his actions."
"And the life of Jesus is a life for others. It is a life of service."
Evangelization, the Roman Pontiff taught, is "bearing personal witness to the love of God, it is overcoming our selfishness, it is serving by bending down to wash the feet of our brethren, as Jesus did."
The three marks of evangelization, going, being unafraid, and serving, will end up evangelizing the evangelist, the Pope assured the young pilgrims.
"Dear young friends, as you return to your homes, do not be afraid to be generous with Christ, to bear witness to his Gospel."
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Evangelization, he said, brings "God's power to pluck up and break down evil and violence, to overthrow the barriers of selfishness, intolerance and hatred, so as to build a new world."
"Jesus Christ is counting on you! The Church is counting on you! The Pope is counting on you," he told them.
Pope Francis concluded by praying that Mary, Christ's Mother "and our Mother," might "always accompany you with her tenderness."