27/07/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DRSm7ua7v/
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle urged young Catholics to reject gossip and embrace authentic friendship, warning that rumors, lies, and hurtful conversations quietly destroy trust and relationships.
Speaking before young people during the 12th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization at the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, Tagle said many people mistakenly equate gossip with genuine friendship.
“If you receive gossip, bias, lies, violent and destructive content, the one who sent you that is not a friend,” said Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization.
He cautioned that people who habitually speak negatively about others will eventually do the same to those closest to them, encouraging the youth to recognize such behavior before it damages their own friendships.
According to the cardinal, gossip erodes trust, while sincere and consistent love has the power to restore it. He added that people who feel genuinely accepted are more likely to become faithful and trustworthy friends.
Tagle rooted his reflection in the Gospel of John, where Jesus calls His disciples friends because He shares with them the truths He received from the Father rather than idle or harmful talk.
“I have called you friends,” Tagle said, quoting Scripture. “Friendship is sharing the holy things that we have experienced from God.”
He emphasized that true friendship calls for compassion and patience toward those who are struggling instead of judgment, ridicule, or exclusion.
Recalling a conversation during a global synod, Tagle shared the testimony of a young woman who expressed that some young people feel they are not worthy of the Church because its leaders are often perceived as harsh and unwelcoming.
“Some of us young people feel we are not good enough for the Church,” Tagle recalled her saying, adding that her words deeply moved him.
The cardinal stressed that young people need friends, mentors, and pastors who welcome them with love rather than push them away through gossip, shame, or rejection.
“The person who gives you a lot of headache is the person that you should love the most,” Tagle told the gathering.
He concluded by encouraging the youth to choose friendships built on truth, loyalty, and charity, reminding them that genuine friends strengthen one another through love rather than tear others down through gossip.
------------------------------------------------------
FOLLOW OUR OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/.catholics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Thank you for subscribing and sending stars! 🤍
Your support helps us continue spreading the Catholic faith and inspiring others. May God bless you always! 🙏✨