Pope Leo XIV boarded the "Bel Espoir" sailboat to speak to a group of young adults from various Mediterranean countries and religions about peacemaking.
The sailboat, whose name means "beautiful hope," had been sailing for eight months to 30 Mediterranean ports, with rotating crews of 25 young adults discussing their faith and challenges to peace.
The world needs "signs, witness, impressions that give hope,"
Pope Leo XIV told the young adults at the marina in Ostia, outside of Rome, that living and working together on the boat has taught them the importance of dialogue.
The pope praised the efforts of the young people, saying that they and the boat's name are "indeed a sign of hope for the Mediterranean and the world."
Author's summary: Pope Leo XIV speaks to young adults on sailboat.