As a young Catholic from Sabah, Malaysia, the election of a new Pope is not merely a Vatican event for me—it is a sign, a moment that breathes fresh hope into the life of the Church, especially for those of us living on the margins of modern society.
What is your new hope for the new pope?
My hope is that the new Pope will be a true shepherd—a fatherly figure who touches the hearts of the youth who are slowly drifting away from the Church. We need a Pope who doesn’t only speak from Rome but walks with us, listens to our struggles, understands our realities, and loves us with the heart of Christ. I hope that this Pope becomes a visible reminder that God never stops searching for us.
What urgent things should the new pope do for us?
There are a few urgent matters I believe the new Pope must address:
- Restore trust among the youth, especially in light of scandals, abuse, and issues of justice. The Church needs to be transparent and courageous in its pursuit of truth.
- Support grassroots evangelization, especially communities like the Neocatechumenal Way, which has helped many young people like me rediscover our faith.
- Uplift the voices of those on the peripheries—including youth from rural areas, like those of us in Borneo. We are also the Church. Our stories matter.
What kind of Church do you imagine for the new hope?
I imagine a Church that is not afraid of change but remains rooted in Sacred Tradition. A Church that not only teaches but listens. A Church that builds communities, not just institutions. A Church that is alive—in the beauty of the liturgy, in the strength of families, and in acts of love and mercy to the suffering.
The Church I long for is one that dares to shine light in a darkened world yet remains humble enough to admit when it needs to repent.
Conclusion
May Pope Leo be a sign that God is not done working in our world. And may we, the youth of the Church, not be afraid to respond to the call to walk with Christ in this mission of hope and salvation.
