Christus Vivit

Pope Francis' Landmark Exhortation on Youth and Young Adults

Pope Francis walks with World Youth Day pilgrims as he arrives for a July 30 prayer vigil at the Field of Mercy in Krakow, Poland. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope Francis shares his insights on the accompaniment, engagement, and vocational mission of youth and young adults* in Christus Vivit, his 2019 post-synodal apostolic exhortation written “to young people and to the entire people of God.”

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A round table discussion in USCCB's Studio

(*) The terms “youth and young adults,” “young people,” and “the young” are used interchangeably. The age range designated by the synodal process and in Christus Vivit includes those ages 16-29, which spans across older adolescence and early young adulthood. 

In the United States, the U.S. bishops recognize that “young people” referenced in the synodal process and in Christus Vivit to be inclusive of several age groups, due to our cultural and ministerial context:

  • youth, that is adolescents ages 13 to 18, often in high school
  • young adults, that is women and men ages 18 to 39: collegiate, single, consecrated religious, clergy, and married, with and without children

In addition, due to the significant Hispanic-Latino population in the United States, this also includes “jovenes,” young people of that cultural community, age 16 through to married life.

In the United States, there are several Catholic ministries associated with this age range: high school youth ministries (in dioceses, parishes, in Catholic high schools, and Catholic organizations), college campus ministries (at Catholic and non-Catholic colleges and universities), pastoral juvenil hispana and young adult ministries (in dioceses, parishes, and Catholic organizations).

Who is this document for?

  • Youth and Young Adults* (especially ages 16 to 30s)
    • Those who are active in the Catholic Church
    • Those who are less active in their Catholic faith
    • Those who are not active at all in a religious community
  • Bishops and Pastors
  • Diocesan and Parish Pastoral Leaders (Laity, Religious, and Clergy)
  • Religious Communities and Catholic Organizations
  • Active Lay Catholics and Parishioners
  • Parents and Families of Youth and Young Adults

Why should we care?

Because youth and young adults* matter. Not only are they the future, Pope Francis is very clear that young people “are the now of God.” They are influencing and impacting the Church and the world today, and any person of faith should be walking alongside them: as peers, as mentors, as guides, and as fellow travelers on the road toward Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.

What should we do?

  1. Read and pray through Christus Vivit (purchase your copy today or read it online)
  2. Explore the resources on this web page (on how to best appreciate this document)
  3. Think outside the box: take action in your local community (action steps for young people, Catholic leaders, and everyone)

NEW! A National Pastoral Framework for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults

In June 2024, the Catholic bishops of the United States approved a National Pastoral Framework for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults entitled "Listen, Teach, Send." This text (available here) serves as the United States' response to Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on young people, Christus Vivit. It is also a summons to local Catholic communities to renew and revitalize their approach to the accompaniment and evangelization of youth (in junior high and high school) and young adults (in college and in their 20s and 30s). 

Need help?

The Youth and Young Adult Ministries division within the USCCB Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth (LMFLY) can help you better understand and implement Christus Vivit in your local community.

  • Schedule a consultation: in-person or digital dialogue and presentations
  • Call or email us today:

Paul Jarzembowski, Youth & Young Adult Ministries
(202) 541-3229 | @email

Staff Assistant
(202) 541-3044 | @email