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Pope Leo XIV urged young people to embrace authentic Christian witness through genuine friendship with Christ and active peacemaking during his message for the upcoming World Youth Day celebrations on November 23, the solemnity of Christ the King.
Speaking to youth following the recent Jubilee of Youth in Rome, the pontiff emphasized that true discipleship involves listening deeply to others and speaking truth to power, while avoiding ideological propaganda or divisive rhetoric.
“True disciples do not seek to occupy the center stage, nor to bind their followers to themselves,” the pope stated in his message released on October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. “Christian witness is neither a proclamation of ourselves nor a celebration of our spiritual, intellectual or moral abilities.”
The theme for this year’s local celebrations, “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me,” draws from the Gospel of John, highlighting Jesus sending his disciples into a world where they would face persecution. Pope Leo acknowledged this reality while encouraging young people to respond with love rather than aggression.
“Jesus does not hide the painful reality that his disciples-witnesses experience rejection and sometimes even violent opposition,” he wrote. “However, it becomes an opportunity to put into practice the greatest commandment, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'”
This year’s World Youth Day comes just months after the summer Jubilee celebrations in Rome and serves as a stepping stone toward the 2027 international gathering in Seoul, South Korea. Representatives from South Korea were present at the closing Mass of the Jubilee, displaying banners promoting the 2027 event.
In his message, Pope Leo made a clear distinction between Christian activism and political partisanship. “Jesus does not want us to be servants, nor ‘activists’ of a political party; he calls us to be with him as friends, so that our lives may be renewed,” he explained, while still encouraging youth to work against inequality and for reconciliation.
The pope spoke directly to the challenges facing many young people globally, acknowledging that some “are exposed to violence, forced to use weapons, separated from their loved ones, and compelled to migrate or flee.” He emphasized that Christ’s message offers meaning amid such suffering.
Pope Leo also referenced his predecessor, encouraging youth to follow Pope Francis’ guidance to “go beyond ourselves and our comfort zones” and engage with those on society’s margins. “If we do not go to the poor and those who feel excluded from the kingdom of God, we cannot encounter Christ and bear witness to him,” he noted.
The message included a caution against digital distraction, with the pope observing that “our deepest questions are not heard or answered by endlessly scrolling on our cell phones, which captures our attention but leaves us with tired minds and empty hearts.”
Vatican observers note that this emphasis on authentic witness comes at a time when many religious institutions struggle to engage young people in meaningful ways. The pope’s message attempts to bridge traditional Catholic values with contemporary youth concerns about social justice and genuine connection.
The November celebrations will provide local churches an opportunity to build on the momentum generated by the Rome Jubilee while preparing for the larger international gathering in Seoul, which represents the Church’s continuing effort to establish deeper connections with its Asian faithful.
Through this message, Pope Leo continues to develop his pastoral approach to youth ministry, emphasizing personal transformation through relationship with Christ as the foundation for social engagement rather than ideological positioning.
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10 Comments
It’s refreshing to see the Catholic Church promoting a message of humility and service over power and self-promotion. Avoiding the temptation of propaganda is crucial for maintaining moral authority.
Agreed. The Pope’s emphasis on ‘listening deeply to others and speaking truth to power’ is a much-needed counterpoint to the increasingly divisive rhetoric we see in many spheres today.
Inspiring to see the Pope encouraging youth to embrace authentic faith and promote love, not propaganda. Focusing on peacemaking and truth-telling over self-aggrandizement is a powerful message.
Agreed, the Pope’s emphasis on avoiding divisive rhetoric and ideological posturing is much-needed in today’s polarized climate. Genuine discipleship means putting others first.
The Pope’s call for young people to respond to persecution with love rather than aggression is a timely and important lesson. Faith should inspire compassion, not vindictiveness.
Absolutely. Embracing that kind of transformative love in the face of adversity is a hallmark of true Christian witness, as the Pope rightly points out.
The Pope’s call for young people to embrace authentic Christian witness is a timely and important message. In an age of polarization and misinformation, his emphasis on truth, love, and peacemaking is crucial.
Well said. The Pope’s rejection of ideological propaganda and his focus on genuine discipleship are a powerful antidote to the toxic political climate we find ourselves in.
The Pope’s message to young people is a much-needed reminder that true faith is about humility, service, and love, not self-promotion or divisive rhetoric. His emphasis on avoiding propaganda and speaking truth to power is admirable.
Absolutely. The Pope’s encouragement for youth to respond to persecution with love rather than aggression is a profound and challenging call to action.