The pope urged people "to listen, to be a neighbor, to bear witness.”

“May the Most High receive the dead in his peace, comfort their families and sustain the wounded,” he prayed as he addressed thousands of pilgrims from many countries gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Oct. 28.

The text is intended as a guideline to be adapted at the national and local level in different countries.

His statement appeared to be a reference to those seeking to divide the church today and those using the abuse scandals to further other agendas.

The cardinals and bishops who participated in the synod may have “a little more wisdom,” but the young people “have the enthusiasm and the creativity to help us bring Jesus Christ to the world.”

Following the Francigena Way, an ancient pilgrims' path, a group of about 300 synod participants and young people from Rome parishes headed to St. Peter's Basilica to pray at the apostle's tomb.