Accra: Pope Leo XIV has urged young people in West Africa to become active witnesses of love, justice and peace as they face conflicts, uncertainty and challenges to their future.
The Pope delivered the message in English and French to thousands of young people gathered in Accra, Ghana, for the first West Africa Youth Days, taking place from September 7 to 12.
The event is being held under the theme “Take courage: young Catholics, agents and promoters of peace and hope in West Africa” and was organised by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA).
Pope Leo praised the bishops from the 16 countries represented at the event for making young people an important part of their pastoral priorities. He said the gathering could help participants grow in faith and develop values such as openness to others and meeting people from different backgrounds.
The Pope acknowledged that many young people are living with doubt, uncertainty and insecurity, which can make it difficult to plan for the future. He encouraged them to remain hopeful despite the crises affecting their lives.
He also rejected the idea that young people are a “sacrificed generation”, describing them instead as “the today of God, the today of the Church”.
Referring to a message from Pope Benedict XVI, Leo said young people possess talents, energy, dreams and hopes that are valuable to both the Church and society.
He called on the young people to work together to create positive change and ensure that no one is marginalised, isolated, excluded or rejected. He encouraged them to build bridges between peoples, cultures and religions.
Pope Leo said young people should follow the example of Jesus by recognising the dignity and presence of God in people living on the margins of society and by making inclusion part of their daily lives.
He told the gathering that the Church trusts young people and depends on their goodwill. Their words and actions, he said, can send a strong message to a world affected by wars and conflicts.
The Pope also warned young people against allowing their youth to be consumed by artificial pleasures and superficiality. He urged them to move beyond excessive time spent scrolling through negative online content and instead pursue their deeper aspirations.
At the end of his message, Pope Leo entrusted the young people of West Africa to the Blessed Virgin Mary and prayed for her intercession for the integral human development of their nations.