Assisi: Pope Leo XIV has called on young people to become builders of peace, unity and hope, urging them to reject hatred, violence and division and instead help create what he described as a civilisation of love. Speaking during his pastoral visit to Assisi on Thursday, the Pope encouraged young people to remain faithful to the Gospel through lives of service, reconciliation and compassion, even in a world increasingly marked by conflict, consumerism and social divisions.
Pope began his visit with a meeting at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, where he answered questions from three young people representing concerns shared by many in today's generation. Their questions focused on how to live the Christian faith in modern society, how to make lifelong commitments in an uncertain world, and how to continue trusting the Church despite its struggles and failures.
Responding to the discussion, Pope Leo stressed that religion should never be used as a political tool or manipulated to create conflict between communities. Instead, he said, faith should inspire people to serve others, build peace and welcome everyone without discrimination.
The first question came from Karolina, a young woman from Zagreb, Croatia, who asked how Christians can remain authentic followers of Christ and share their faith beyond the walls of churches. Referring to the painful history of conflict in the Balkans, Pope Leo noted that the region experienced war only a few decades ago and had also witnessed the dangerous combination of religious identity and nationalism.
He praised the work of the Franciscan community in promoting dialogue among Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Muslims, saying such efforts had helped build peaceful coexistence. According to the Pope, Christians today are increasingly called to become peacemakers who help heal painful memories and encourage reconciliation instead of allowing religion to be exploited in conflicts based on identity.
Drawing inspiration from Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo explained that living the Gospel radically does not mean becoming rigid or intolerant. Instead, he said true Gospel radicalism is the complete opposite of fundamentalism. It makes believers more sensitive, humble and welcoming towards others rather than blind or violent.
He encouraged young people to make courageous choices even when they are unpopular or difficult. Christians, he said, must resist manipulation, reject misinformation and overcome prejudice that creates unnecessary fear and division among people.
The Pope also reflected on the growing influence of technology in modern society. While acknowledging its usefulness, he warned that it can sometimes replace genuine human relationships and make people forget the importance of being physically present with one another.
He described the Church as a home that welcomes everyone, where people rediscover friendship, fraternity and the value of silence. Silence, he said, stands in sharp contrast to the violence, shouting and cruelty associated with war. He encouraged young people to continue gathering together, speaking about God and sharing life face to face rather than depending only on digital communication.
The second question came from Giovanni, a young man from Bologna, who asked how people can confidently say yes to God in a society that often avoids long term commitments and focuses only on immediate satisfaction.
Pope Leo responded that making a lifelong commitment has become one of the most revolutionary decisions a person can make today. He warned that many people misunderstand freedom by believing that constantly changing direction or avoiding responsibility leads to happiness.
Instead, he said, endless searching for new experiences, relationships or possessions often reveals a deeper emptiness. Real love, he explained, is not about escaping difficulties but about making a lasting commitment that opens people to growth, sacrifice and deeper joy.
Reflecting on his own life, Pope Leo shared that every vocation requires daily renewal and perseverance. He said God has always guided him throughout his journey as a priest, an Augustinian religious, a missionary and finally in accepting the unexpected responsibility of becoming Pope.
He added that the Lord never abandoned him and instead placed supportive people along his path who strengthened his faith and helped him continue his mission.
The final question came from Luigi, a 22 year old from Sicily, who asked how people can remain faithful to the Church despite scandals and disappointments.
Pope Leo acknowledged that the Church has experienced failures and wounds but insisted that unity remains at the heart of Christ's mission. He said true Christian unity has the power to break down the invisible walls that separate people in cities and communities. Once people recognise each other as brothers and sisters, he said, many forms of discrimination and inequality can disappear.
Concluding the meeting, Pope reflected on the meaning of true power. He explained that genuine leadership is expressed through humility and service rather than domination or self interest. Jesus, he said, showed that real strength does not humiliate people but lifts them.
Pope urged young people to become witnesses of this message wherever they go, helping build communities rooted in peace, forgiveness and fraternity. He said the Church is called to be a place where people can breathe freely, find hope and experience God's saving love by following the example of Christ, whose mission continues to inspire believers to replace division with a civilisation of love.