A Glimpse of Christ-like Love

May 09, 2025

By Karen Chan
It still feels surreal to me today, that 11 months ago, I was given the opportunity to meet Pope Francis and shake his hands through the International Youth Ministry Congress 2024. He looked similar to when I first saw him from a distance during World Youth Day 2023, he had a glow on his face which made me wonder if that’s how saints look like.

This time, I could see the same up close, holding his very soft hands (quite shyly), looking into his eyes that showed hints of excitement and curiosity as he met each delegate. Despite his weak body, he chose to enter the room that morning by walking, and the whole audience was so touched we stood up and applauded for him, cheering, “Esta es la juventud del papa”, which means “this is the youth of the Pope”. When he gave his address, he would look up from his script once in a while and say something funny to make us laugh. It touched me when he reminded us pastoral ministers to continue listening to the young people, in his words, “a real listening, not one that is ‘half-hearted’ or merely ‘window dressing’”.

From my encounters with Pope Francis, whether through this congress, his addresses or his encyclicals, I learned that he really loved the people. Through his own actions, he showed us a type of love that was inclusive and authentic, and that the Church has a place for everyone without them having to fit any type of “standards”, but to just come and be as they are. I am very grateful for the opportunity to encounter Pope Francis up close, and I pray that being touched by his Christ-like love, I continue to learn how to love others with compassion and humility as he did.