Francis then turned his attention to youth living in situations of war, poverty and loneliness, telling them to never lose hope.
"The Lord has a great dream which, with your help, he wants to come true!" he said, explaining that their peers who are better-off "have not forgotten you," but are working to establish global peace and justice for everyone.
Rather than being taken in by all the messages of hatred and terror that surround us, it's necessary to make new friends, the Pope said, encouraging them to give of their time and to always show concern toward those who ask for help.
"Be brave and go against the tide; be friends of Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace," he said. "Everything in him speaks of mercy. Nothing in him is devoid of compassion."
While not everyone can make it to Rome for the celebrations, everyone is invited to participate in the Jubilee for Youth and to celebrate in this moment of joy, even within their local dioceses, Francis said.
He told them that preparations for the event shouldn't stop at just making banners, but they must also prepare their hearts and minds.
"Think carefully about the hope and desires you will hand over to Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and in the Eucharist which we will celebrate together," he said, and told them to remember as they walk through the Holy Door that they are making a commitment.
"You are committing yourselves to grow in holiness and to draw nourishment from the Gospel and the Eucharist, the Word and the Bread of life, in order to help build a more just and fraternal world."
Elise Harris is a graduate from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelors degree in philosophy.