In recent months, Pope Leo has invited young people to “act with joy and perseverance” and to “be open to what the Lord has in store for you.”
Addressing the youth of the Rome diocese, the Pope expressed joy at the authentic experiences young people have in parishes, oratories, and charities. Yet he warned them not to expect easy recognition. “Do not expect the world to welcome you with open arms,” he said, recalling that “advertising, which needs to sell something to be consumed, attracts more attention than witness, which seeks to build sincere friendships.”
Pope Leo urged young people to “act with joy and perseverance, knowing that we must first change ourselves to change society”. In response to their desire to know how they can specifically break the ‘chains’ that bind them, the Pope was clear: ‘First of all, pray.’ He defined prayer as a deeply real and transformative act: ‘It is the most concrete act a Christian performs for the good of those around them, for themselves, and for the whole world.’ The Pope explained that prayer is an act of freedom that breaks the chains of boredom, pride and indifference.
During his first visit to a parish in his new diocese — the parish of Saint Mary, Queen of Peace in Ostia, a few kilometres from Rome — Pope Leo told the young people, “You are that hope! ‘You must recognise that there is hope in your hearts, in your lives and in your youth — for today and for tomorrow.’
In his address to the Worldwide Prayer Network, Pope Leo thanked them for their work and encouraged them to attract young people so that they may grow closer to God. “It is especially important to invite young people to participate, so that they may become the next generation of intercessors for the needs of the whole world.”
“Many young people are searching for a more profound and personal relationship with the Risen Jesus. Your Eucharistic Youth Movement can be a particularly fruitful way of helping them grow in intimacy with our Lord,” he emphasised.
He urged the participants “to foster an even greater participation in this Network, which unites diverse cultures, languages, and charisms in the common mission.”
A few months ago, in a video message for young people participating in the annual ‘SEEK’ Youth Conference in the United States, Pope Leo encouraged them to spend time with Jesus, whether they were meeting him for the first time or deepening their relationship with him.
He also urged them to always be open to what the Lord had in store for them. He encouraged participants to “be open to what the Lord has in store for you”, reminding them that although the disciples’ first encounter with Jesus lasted only a few days, it changed their lives forever.
The Pope continued that getting to know Jesus inspires ‘missionary zeal’, as it did for St Andrew, who immediately went to tell his brother, St Peter, that he had found the Messiah.
Pope Leo prayed that the young people at the conference would be moved by this same missionary zeal and share the joy they have received from a genuine encounter with the Lord with those around them.
He encouraged them not to be afraid to ask God what he is calling them to, whether that be the priesthood, religious life or marriage and family life. If you feel the call, he said, “Do not be afraid… Let God lead and guide you!”
