Vatican City: During his weekly General Audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV offered a heartfelt message of encouragement, especially directed at young people seeking direction and meaning in their lives. “If you're searching for purpose,” the Pope said, “turn to God—He is always waiting, never tires of us, and will never let you down.”
Continuing his catechesis series for the Jubilee Year titled "Jesus Christ Our Hope," the Holy Father reflected on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from the Gospel of Matthew. The story tells of a landowner who pays all his laborers the same wage, regardless of when they began working—a powerful image, Pope Leo explained, of God’s boundless mercy and generosity.
“God doesn’t judge by merit alone,” the Pope noted, “but by need. He sees our hearts, our dignity, and He calls each of us personally—not because we’ve earned it, but because He longs to give us the fullness of life.” That fullness, the Pope stressed, is eternal, joyful, and freely offered to anyone who opens their heart.
He emphasized that while some may see the landowner’s equal payment as unfair, “It wasn’t injustice, it was generosity. God isn’t a scorekeeper; He is a giver.” The parable, he said, challenges believers to rethink what true justice and divine reward mean.
Pope Leo acknowledged a common temptation among believers: the idea that if God rewards all equally, there’s no urgency to follow Him early. But he cited St. Augustine’s wise response: “Why delay in following the One who calls, when you’re sure of the reward but not of the time? Don’t lose out because of your hesitation.”
Turning directly to young people, the Pope delivered a passionate appeal: “Don’t wait around. Don’t put off your response to God. Get involved—roll up your sleeves. You won’t be disappointed by the One who calls you.” In seeking and serving God, he said, young people will discover the deepest answer to the question that stirs within them: What is the meaning of my life?
He urged the faithful not to grow discouraged during times of uncertainty or silence. “Even when it feels like time is passing without answers, don’t lose heart,” he said. “Ask the Lord to come to you again—He will find you where you are. He is generous. And He always comes.”