When the youth grow into adulthood, some may be called upon to undertake leadership roles within the Church. However, as they “assume leadership positions within their organisations, ministries and communities, will they all experience equity within their working and social environments? History reveals that they may not, rather that some leaders, particularly females … will experience inequality and discrimination” (Cameron, 2019)! Such prejudice must not to be tolerated in a loving Church. Gender should not define leadership! All leaders need to feel valued and respected, and their very considerable talents and skills should be mentored and developed, thus equipping them to face the challenges of leadership within an ecclesial community – one that values diversity, has transparency and is inclusive. The Catholic Church was founded on Love – “Love of God and love of neighbour”.  

Christus Vivit “Christ is Alive”, is the fourth Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Frances and is dated 25 March 2019, the feast of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This lengthy document is a letter to young people and to “the entire People of God” and is the Post-Synodal response to the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on “Young people, the Faith and Vocational Discernment” (2018). The Exhortation emphasises to the youth the importance of listening to the Spirit and giving voice to their faith.