This dark moment, he writes, with the help of young people “can truly be an opportunity for a reform of epoch-making significance, opening us to a new Pentecost and inaugurating a new stage of purification and change capable of renewing the Church’s youth.

Aboard the papal plane, Francis spoke with reporters about the need to build solidarity, not barriers.

Among those attending the Mass was Brother Jean-Pierre Schumacher, O.C.S.O, the last monk survivor from the monastery of Tibhirine in Algeria.

There are around 30,000 (including 23,000 Catholics) of them in this majority Muslim nation of 35 million people.

Pope Francis suggested four actions were needed to assist migrants in their plight today: “accept; protect; promote; and integrate.”

Pope Francis said he hoped his visit would “strengthen the bonds of sincere friendship,” mutual respect and cooperation between Christians and Muslims “and enable our communities to prepare a better future for coming generations.”