Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has encouraged young people to see love as a lifelong commitment built on faith, self giving, forgiveness and mutual trust. He made the appeal in the foreword to a new edition of YOUCAT: Love Forever, a book intended to help young people reflect on love, relationships and marriage in the Catholic faith.
The Pope said the human desire for deep and lasting love points to a deeper calling. He linked this longing to the love of God and said that faith can transform human relationships by helping people grow in service, generosity and forgiveness.
Reflecting on the relationship between a man and a woman, Pope Leo said love should not be understood only as an intense emotion that can quickly appear and disappear. He described authentic love as a decision, a journey and a lifelong covenant.
He encouraged young people to build relationships on mutual trust and a commitment to permanence. Rather than focusing first on personal gain, he said, love should lead people to ask how they can love as Christ loved.
The Pope also presented marriage as a reflection of God's love. He said that when a man and a woman give themselves completely to one another, their faithfulness, forgiveness and daily efforts to seek what is good can reflect the love of Christ for the Church.
Pope Leo acknowledged that such love is not perfect and can face difficulties. However, he urged young people not to fear the depth of the commitment to which they may be called. He said true love can grow through faith and provide strength throughout life.
He pointed to the cross of Jesus Christ as the clearest example of self giving love. Referring to Christ's command to love one another and to lay down one's life for friends, the Pope presented sacrificial love as central to Christian life.
YOUCAT: Love Forever seeks to accompany young people as they consider relationships, marriage and their vocation to love. The book includes testimonies from young people in more than 30 countries, offering personal experiences related to the Christian understanding of love.
Pope Leo said the book is intended to help readers prepare for a lifelong “yes” rather than a commitment limited to a single day. He described this commitment as reflecting the tireless and faithful nature of God's love.
In his closing prayer, Pope Leo asked that Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and Mary guide young people as they discern their vocation to love. He also expressed the hope that they would respond to this calling with trust and courage.