Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has urged young people around the world to turn to Christ with their personal struggles and the divisions affecting their communities and countries, calling on them to become messengers of courage, peace and love.
In his message for the 2026 World Youth Day, released on November 3, the Pope encouraged young people not to hide their fears, doubts and weaknesses but to allow Christ to guide them through difficult moments in their lives.
He also called on them to bring before Christ the suffering caused by conflicts, social divisions, injustice and environmental damage, as well as the struggles of poor communities.
The annual diocesan celebration of World Youth Day will take place on November 22, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
Pope Leo's message also looks ahead to the next international World Youth Day, scheduled for August 3 to 8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea. The event will follow the theme, "Take courage! I have overcome the world", taken from the Gospel of John (16:33).
Signed on October 22, the feast day of St. John Paul II, the message draws on his predecessor's appeal to young people not to be afraid and to open their lives to Christ.
Pope Leo encouraged young people to prepare not only for the journey to Seoul but also spiritually, allowing the event's theme to shape their lives and relationships during the coming year.
He acknowledged that many young people face uncertainty about their future, pressure to succeed, unrealistic expectations shaped by social media and feelings of loneliness or inadequacy.
Reflecting on the Gospel account of Jesus walking on water, the Pope recalled how the disciples were frightened during a storm. He said Christ continues to accompany people through the difficulties of life, even before they begin seeking Him.
He stressed that Christian courage does not depend on personal strength or determination but comes from trusting in Christ. Although Jesus does not promise a life without suffering, His love remains stronger than darkness and hardship, he said.
Addressing the divisions and challenges facing the world, Pope Leo called on Christians to respond with the same gentle courage shown by Christ. This means choosing love instead of harshness, promoting peace rather than confrontation and maintaining hope in the face of cynicism.
The Pope also explained that Christ's victory over the world should not be understood as gaining power over others or constantly proving one's worth. Instead, it is expressed through freely giving oneself in love.
He reminded young people that their dignity does not depend on their appearance, achievements or the image they present to others. Their value comes from being created in the image of God and being known and loved by Him.
Pope Leo further encouraged them to recognise their limitations and accept that they do not have to face every challenge alone. Rather than trying to become their own saviours, he invited them to seek help, listen and allow Christ to transform their lives.
He said opening their hearts to Christ would help them understand themselves more deeply and develop stronger relationships with others. Love, he added, should be seen not as weakness but as a source of freedom and strength.
Concluding his message, the Pope urged young people and their communities to overcome the divisions caused by disappointment, resentment, guilt and past wounds.
He recalled how Christ brought peace to His disciples even when they were frightened and had withdrawn behind closed doors.
Pope Leo said Christ continues to offer reconciliation and peace, giving people the courage to face their difficulties without allowing fear to determine their future.