Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has encouraged Catholic scouts and guides to make the Gospel their guide in life, calling on them to deepen their faith, embrace service, and become joyful witnesses of Christian values in today’s world.
Pope made the appeal on Monday while meeting members of the Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts of Europe Association as they gathered in the Vatican to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their movement.
Linking the occasion to the recent celebration of Pentecost, Pope Leo noted that the word Pentecost means “fiftieth,” making the anniversary a fitting moment for spiritual renewal.
“May this happy anniversary be for you like a new Pentecost,” Pope said, praying that the Holy Spirit would descend upon every member of the association just as it did upon the Apostles gathered in the Upper Room.
He explained that the Holy Spirit gives life to the Christian journey, opens hearts to mission, and helps believers discover new ways of sharing the beauty of the faith. The message of salvation, he said, fills people with hope and inspires them to make good choices in everyday life.
Reflecting on the association’s five decades of history, Pope Leo praised its educational work and its commitment to forming young people according to the scouting method created by Lord Baden Powell.
He said scouting helps young people encounter Jesus Christ, whom he described as a faithful friend, a sure guide, and a teacher of the good life. Through camping, outdoor activities, and close contact with nature, scouts are invited to recognize the signs of God’s goodness present in creation.
At the same time, Pope encouraged scouts and guides to combine their appreciation of nature with a deep love for Sacred Scripture. Recalling the words of Pope Francis, he urged them to keep the Gospel close at hand and use it as their “navigator” in life.
Pope stressed that the Gospel is more than a book. It is the living presence of Christ, who offers hope and direction to people facing uncertainty, disappointment, and the many challenges of modern life. Christ, he said, satisfies the human desire for truth and justice while giving believers the strength to persevere in goodness and serve others generously.
Addressing scout leaders, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of personal example. Young people, he said, learn not only through lessons and activities but also by observing the choices and behaviour of their leaders. A life lived with integrity and faith becomes a powerful witness that can help shape the character and spiritual growth of the next generation.
Pope also thanked the priests who serve as spiritual assistants within the movement. Their presence, he said, strengthens the bond between the Church and scouting while supporting both young people and adult leaders in their formation.
Speaking about the association’s educational approach, Pope Leo noted its commitment to forming boys and girls in separate sections, allowing attention to be given to the particular needs and characteristics of each. Such an approach, he said, can help foster meaningful encounters, mutual respect, and personal maturity.
He also commended the movement’s vision of Europe rooted in Christian humanism. In a time of significant social and cultural challenges, he said it is important to build “a Europe of peoples, not only of business,” inspired by the highest values of the Christian tradition.
Pope concluded by focusing on service, which he described as the heart of the scouting spirit. Service, he said, means freely offering one’s talents, time, and energy for the good of others without expecting anything in return. Through service, young people learn responsibility, solidarity, concern for others, and active participation in society.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo encouraged scouts and guides to continue their mission with enthusiasm and dedication. He prayed that the Holy Spirit would enrich them with His gifts and help them spread the values of charity, welcome, and peace wherever they go.