Juventudes e formação da consciência a partir do Papa Francisco: uma análise teológica sobre os desafios atuais

Abstract

This dissertation highlights the importance of the formation of young people’s conscience in a context marked by profound sociocultural transformations, uncertainties, and crises of meaning. Initially, it provides an analysis of contemporary youth, emphasizing their plurality and the impact of current phenomena—such as narcissism, consumerism, the influence of new technologies, the diversity of spiritualities, and the strengthening of traditionalist and conservative movements—on the construction of youth identity, while recognizing the role of the Church in promoting critical, autonomous, and mature consciences. Subsequently, it underscores the protagonism of young people in Sacred Scripture and in the Second Vatican Council, highlighting conscience as the deepest core of the human person, which requires guidance, reflection, and ethical discernment. Finally, it examines the contribution of Pope Francis’ magisterium, especially in the Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit, regarding the appreciation of youth and the formation of conscience aimed at building a more humane, ethical, and fraternal society. It is therefore concluded that the formation of conscience constitutes an indispensable element for the life of young people and for the Church’s evangelizing mission in the contemporary world