In a historical moment characterized by rapid challenges and transformations, Pope Leo XIV’s words resound as a powerful and engaging invitation to young people from all over the world. During the National Catholic Youth Conference, gathered at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis with about 16,000 participants, the Pontiff launched a message of hope, courage and confidence in the future, underlining that young people are not only tomorrow, but the living present of the Church.
A video connection full of emotion and stimulation
Connecting in video with the young people present, Pope Leo XIV opened his message with a warm “Good morning!” in English, underlining how the appointment takes place during the Holy Year, a time of grace and spiritual renewal. Recalling the last Jubilee, with over a million young pilgrims in Tor Vergata, he highlighted how blessed it is to see so many young people seeking the Lord with sincerity and joy.
The heart of the speech: dream in great
The Pope’s message focused on the power of dreams and the responsibility of being active protagonists of his faith and life. “The future is now,” he said, “is the moment that cleans, the breath that invites you to dream big”. Youth, with its strong wind, pushes beyond comfort and superficiality, calling to a path of generosity, love and authentic friendship with Jesus.
The invitation is not to fear change, to navigate towards the “greatness” that is born from sincere relationships and an open faith and not closed within “political categories”. The Church, the Pope reiterated, cannot be reduced to an ideology, but must be a place of meeting, listening and spiritual growth. Technology, instead of being an obstacle, can accompany young people in their path of growth, facilitating links, sharing the Gospel and virtual encounters that, if used wisely, enrich the path of faith.
Young people looking for Jesus
During his intervention, the Pope listened and answered the questions of young people, bringing with him the warmth of an authentic dialogue. Starting from the question of Mia, Baltimore, on the difficult to accept God’s mercy when making mistakes, Leo XIV recalled that no one is perfect and that sin does not have the last word. God, he said, never tires to forgive; the heart of God is always ready to welcome those who return to Him with confidence.
Another question of Ezequiel, from Los Angeles, touched the theme of entrusting difficulties to God. The Pope explained that entrusting himself to Jesus means establishing an authentic relationship, as one does with a dearer friend, listening and trusting in his love that sustains us in the storms of life.
The importance of friendship and communication
Later questions addressed the theme of genuine friendship and communication. Pope Leo XIV emphasized that a true friend is the one who helps to know oneself better and to grow spiritually. Authentic trust and prayer are fundamental tools to find sincere and close people. When we feel lost or incomplete, we must remember that God understands us better than we can do ourselves, and that trusting Him is the way to overcome difficulties.
Technology and responsibility
A topic very present in the speech was the use of technologies, especially new digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence. The Pope urged young people to use technological tools wisely, recognizing that technology can be an ally in sharing the Gospel and maintaining relationships of faith, but cannot replace human contact and real community experience.
San Carlo Acutis, a virtuous example of integration between faith and technology, has been cited as a model of how digital skills can be put at the service of others, always keeping the spiritual priorities clear. It is important, the Pope said, to use AI and modern tools responsibly, to strengthen its path of growth and not to weaken it.
Concerns and hopes for the tomorrow of the Church
Among the concerns of some young people, the fear emerges that the Church may disappear or lose relevance in the future. The Pope reassured, recalling that the Church is in the hands of God, who promised to accompany her and guide her always. Trust in Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the guarantee of a journey of hope, even in difficult times.
The active role of young people
Finally, Leo XIV strongly affirmed that young people are not only the future, but are the present of the Church. Their voice, their ideas and their faith are fundamental today. He invites us to actively participate in ecclesial life, to cultivate a constant prayer and to serve others, following the example of saints such as Pier Giorgio Frassati.
A message of hope and greatness
In conclusion, the Pope appealed to dream great, not to settle for a comfortable life, but to seek the truth, beauty and goodness that find their face in Jesus Christ. Remembering the words of Saint Augustine, he invited young people to seek God with their hearts, because only in him is the true peace and greatness that each of us is called to live.
The future of the Church, he said, is built with your hands, with your heart and with your faith. Be the protagonists of your spiritual life, for your journey can change the world. And while the choir of young people scanned “Leo, Leo, we love Leo!”, this day of meeting and hope ended, leaving a clear message: the present of the Church is in the hands of you, young dreamers and courageous, ready to make great the Kingdom of God.
The article Pope Leo XIV to young people: “Dream big, you are the living present of the Church” comes from IlNewyorkese.
