Mediterranean Meetings: Young people join discussions and plans

By Delphine Allaire & Linda Bordoni

Awaiting Pope Francis‘ arrival in Marseille to participate in the  Mediterranean Meetings on 22-23 September, young people are organized in debates, discussions and projects, adamant they want to be part of a process that will hopefully lead to the recognition that a common dialogue is needed for the common good of the Mediterranean and beyond.

Meanwhile, some seventy men and women, aged between 25 and 30, meet on Thursday, 21 September, with bishops and other religious leaders who are in Marseille for the annual event, to share their expectations and forge a way forward together.

They represent the Mediterranean in all its diversity. They have converged in the port city from Morocco, Algeria, Greece, Italy, Spain, the Holy Land. There are also some from well beyond the region, like Pavel from Georgia – so far from the Mediterranean, but so close to the Black Sea and with the same perspective on the issue of globalization, migration and integration, with the same yearning for fraternity.

There are Catholics, believers of other Christian denominations, Muslims and Jews.  Since the start of this year’s Mediterranean Meetings on 17 September, they have been gathering in groups to reflect on the challenges and resources of the Mediterranean region and share their thoughts and ideas.

Speaking to Vatican News’ Delphine Allaire, Giorgia Basile explained she is at the meeting to bring the voice of millions of young people in search of employment.

One Mediterranean People

Giorgia works with the Catholic Progetto Policoro that, she explained, aims to favour youth employment and development. “It is necessary to be united” she exclaimed, “to become one Mediterranean people!”

Looking back on past Mediterranean Meetings she said they have contributed to creating a common language. Here in Marseille, a city she described as “a crossroads of cultures and religions” the main challenges to be faced, she added, are those of reception and integration of migrants and of the environment.

“The Mediterranean must raise its voice,” Giorgia said, revealing that in the next days, the group of young people will be drawing up guidelines for a pathway of peace and integration.

For Pavel, it is important to be able to listen and know about what is happening in the Mediterranean, but it is also a chance to share the experience of his own Georgian peers.

Carla from Syria expressed the wish to represent young people from across Syria and “give the world a good impression: we are good people; we are educated and we hope to deliver a good message.”

Giovanna, from the southern island of Sicily in Italy, concluded that each person, with his or her personal identity and story, has much to contribute to a common dialogue that will help find solutions for the whole Mediterranean region.

“Starting with the situation I live in in Sicily – a land which often provides the landing shore for so many people in search of a better future,” she noted, “it is clear we need to find long-term solutions for the good of all.”