Lima: Pope Leo XIV has encouraged young people in Peru not to lose hope because of past mistakes or fear about the future, reminding them that Jesus knows their personal stories and continues to invite them to follow Him. Speaking at a prayer vigil with young people and university students at the Estadio Nacional in Lima on Thursday evening, the Pope urged them to trust in God's love and take small steps towards their future without feeling they must have everything planned.
More than 60,000 people gathered at the stadium for the event, which marked the final engagement of the Pope's first full day in Peru. Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that young people often face difficult questions about their future, personal struggles and hopes. He assured them that Jesus cares about every aspect of their lives, including their unanswered questions, fears and suffering. He encouraged them to speak honestly to Jesus in prayer, even when they struggle to find the right words. He also reminded them that faith can sustain them through difficult experiences and that seeking support from people who love them is important when facing sorrow.
The Pope urged the young people not to shape their lives simply around the expectations of others. He reminded them that each person has unique abilities and opportunities to contribute to the good of others. Addressing concerns that following God's will might require giving up personal dreams, he warned against the belief that sin could offer greater happiness or freedom. Referring to the words of Pope Benedict XVI, he reminded them that evil always brings harm rather than lasting happiness.
He said God understands people's deepest desires and wants them to experience the fullness of love and happiness.
To help them recognise God's guidance, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the young people to make time for silence and prayer, particularly before the Blessed Sacrament. He invited them to share their plans with Jesus, listen to His Word and remain open to understanding their vocation. The Pope explained that some would be called to the priesthood or consecrated life, while others would be called to marriage and family life. However, he stressed that everyone has a responsibility to use their talents in the service of others.
He also described Jesus as a faithful friend who never abandons those who turn to Him. He encouraged the young people to strengthen their relationship with Christ through prayer, the Eucharist and listening to His Word. Quoting Benedict XVI's 2005 homily, Pope Leo XIV recalled the message that the Lord takes nothing away but gives everything. He urged the young people not to be afraid to speak about Jesus and demonstrate through their lives the positive impact of their friendship with Him.
Concluding the vigil, the Pope asked for the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints of Peru, praying that young people would grow in trust in Christ, discover their vocation with enthusiasm and remain close to Him. He invited them to repeat a simple prayer as a daily expression of their faith: "Jesus, I trust in you."