Pilgrims from around the world gathered from July 28 to August 3 to hear what Pope Leo XIV had to say to the Catholic youth.
There were four main moments: first, during a meeting with Catholic influencers and digital missionaries —and later that same day— he surprised the youth after the Jubilee’s opening Mass. Then came the Prayer Vigil, where in addition to praying with the youth, he answered questions on friendship, life choices, and mission. Finally, the Pope addressed the youth once more during the Sending Mass for the pilgrims.
Here are 11 quotes from Pope Leo XIV to the young people of the Jubilee:
“…the world needs messages of hope: you are that message, and you must continue to bring hope to all.”
“And today, perhaps more than ever, we need missionary disciples who bring the gift of the Risen One to the world; who go to the ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:3-8), giving voice to the hope that the living Jesus gives us; who reach every place where there is a heart that hopes, seeks, or longs for something more.”
“My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible: a world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved by weapons but through dialogue.”
“…united with Jesus, like branches to the vine, you will bear much fruit; you will be the salt of the earth and light of the world; you will be seeds of hope wherever you live: in your families, among friends, at school, work, or in sports.”
“Friendship with Christ, which lies at the heart of faith, is not just one help among many to build the future—it is our guiding star.”
“When our friendships reflect this deep bond with Jesus, they become truly sincere, generous, and authentic.”
“These are radical and meaningful life choices: marriage, priesthood, religious consecration—all express the gift of self, freely given and liberating, that brings true happiness. That’s where we find joy: when we learn to give ourselves. To give life for others.”
“If you truly want to find the Risen Lord, listen to His Word, the Gospel of salvation. Reflect on how you live and seek justice to build a more human world. Serve the poor and bear witness to the good we always long to receive from others.”
“How much the world needs Gospel missionaries—witnesses of justice and peace! How much the future needs men and women who are witnesses of hope! Dear young people, this is the mission the Risen Lord entrusts to each of us!”
“We need to lift our eyes, to look upward, to the ‘things that are above’ (Col 3:2), to understand that everything in this world makes sense only to the extent that it helps us unite with God and our brothers and sisters in love, growing in ‘compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience’ (Col 3:12), forgiveness (v. 13), peace (cf. Jn 14:27), like Christ (cf. Phil 2:5).”
“Wherever you are, aspire to great things—to holiness. Do not settle for less. Then you will see the light of the Gospel grow every day in you and around you.”
The Jubilee of Youth has come to an end, but every Wednesday Pope Leo XIV holds a General Audience. He also prays the Angelus and addresses the Catholic faithful in St. Peter’s Square. These moments were also special in previous pontificates, like those of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. The audiences are a precious opportunity for humanity to see and hear the successor of Peter, be formed, and unite their hearts with that of the Risen One who passed through the Cross.
