Friendship is no fleeting or temporary relationship, but one that is stable, firm, and faithful, and matures with the passage of time. A relationship of affection that brings us together and a generous love that makes us seek the good of our friend. Friends may be quite different from one another, but they always have things in common that draw them closer in mutual openness and trust.

(From Pope Francis’ letter to young people after the Synod in Rome in 2018)