Pope Francis said today that youth unemployment is a social plague and the symptom of a serious breakdown in contemporary societies.

In a meeting with members of the Italian federation Knights of Labor, the Pope felt that the phenomenon affects young people by depriving them of an essential component for personal fulfillment.

But it also has negative consequences for the business community, he added, as these institutions lose the opportunity to receive the input from a renewed work force.

According to the Bishop of Rome, 'the world of work should be prepared and waiting for young people willing to participate and emerge'.

However, what happens in reality is that young people often receive the message that are not needed, he warned.

Francisco stressed the value of work to emphasize its ability to involve people and charge them with responsibilities, stimulating entrepreneurial capacity, creativity and commitment.

According to the Pontiff, this has positive effects on future generations as leads society to look forward and to offer opportunities, which means hope for the future.

Prensa Latina