"Even when young people make decisions that do not correspond to the paths proposed by the Church according to the teachings of Jesus, the Lord continues to knock at the door of their hearts and prepares them to receive a new inner call," said the Pope during an audience at the Vatican on Friday.
There he met members of a papal institute for marriage and family sciences.
The head of the Church called on the academics to find the courage to find new words that could touch the conscience of young people when discussing this topic. For today's world is not only characterised by tensions and ideologies, but also by a growing search for spirituality, truth and justice, especially among young people.
Giving motherhood back its full dignity
Leo XIV also called for support for expectant mothers who experienced loneliness or marginalisation during their pregnancy. Society and the church community should endeavour to restore the full dignity of motherhood.
For example, through political measures for appropriate living and working conditions, educational and cultural initiatives as well as pastoral care that accompanies women and men with closeness and listening.
"Motherhood and fatherhood, which are protected in this way, are by no means a burden on society, but a hope that strengthens and renews it," said the Pope.
He spoke out in favour of more family support in general.
In societies in which productivity and speed are exaggerated at the expense of relationships, there is an urgent need to give back time and space to the love that is learnt in the family.
"It is there that the first experiences of trust, devotion and forgiveness are made, which form the fabric of social life," Leo XIV explained his call.