Vatican City, Dec 19, 2016 / 10:22 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Young Catholics can be a force for joy and peace, Pope Francis told an audience with Catholic Action on Monday.

“Proclaiming to all the love and tenderness of Jesus, you become apostles of the joy of the Gospel. And joy is contagious,” he told members of Catholic Action who had gathered in Vatican City’s Consistory Hall to wish the pontiff a Merry Christmas.