Medjugorje: In a heartfelt message to thousands of young pilgrims gathered for the 36th International Youth Festival in Medjugorje, Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that the journey toward God is never solitary. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 122:1 “We will go to the house of the Lord” the Pope invited young people to embrace the beauty of walking together in faith, companionship, and shared purpose.
This year’s festival, held at the world-renowned Marian shrine in Medjugorje, runs from August 4 to 8, drawing participants from across continents. Pope Leo’s message delivered with spiritual depth and pastoral warmth encouraged attendees to live their youth as a pilgrimage marked by encounter, communion, and hope.
“How do we reach the house of the Lord without losing our way?” the Pope asked. He answered by pointing to Christ, quoting His words from John 14:6: “I am the way.” According to the Holy Father, Jesus is not just the destination but also the companion and guide opening eyes, strengthening hearts, and illuminating the path forward.
“No one walks alone,” Pope Leo declared. “We are created for encounter. We are called to walk together. When we share our inner flame, it becomes a single fire that lights the way.” Drawing on St. Augustine, he described the Church as a community of pilgrims who ignite one another’s hearts with faith.
Addressing a generation immersed in digital culture, the Pope offered a timely and powerful caution: “No algorithm will ever replace an embrace, a look, or a real encounter not with God, not with our friends, not with our families.” Amid the rising dominance of artificial intelligence and virtual interaction, he urged youth to resist superficial connection and choose real, embodied human presence.
Pope Leo held up the Virgin Mary as the ideal companion for the spiritual journey. He recalled Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth a difficult, selfless act that resulted in joy and divine encounter. “She went,” he said, “and that meeting brought joy. The child leaped in Elizabeth’s womb, recognizing Mary as the bearer of the Lord.”
He invited young people to follow Mary’s lead not just in faith, but in reaching out, comforting others, and rejoicing in shared life. “Rejoice together,” he said, “and don’t be afraid to weep with those who weep.”
Despite linguistic and cultural differences among the youth at Medjugorje, Pope Leo reminded them that a deeper language unites them the language of faith. “It is stronger than any barrier,” he said, “and it is nourished by the love of God.”
He concluded with a stirring appeal: “You are members of Christ’s Body, the Church. Meet each other, learn from each other, share your journey. Only by walking together, supporting and inspiring one another, will we arrive at the house of the Lord.”
As the Medjugorje hills echo with prayer and praise, the Pope’s message stands as a radiant call for unity, community, and purpose in an age of division and distraction reminding youth across the world that the Church is a family, and the road to God is never a lonely one.