Pope Leo XIV has called on young people to reject divisive discourse and attitudes, and to live as true disciples of Christ who listen, understand and speak truth with love. Source: CNS.
True disciples listen to and understand others, and they always speak the truth, even in the presence of those who are powerful, the Pope said in his message to young people ahead of the local celebrations of World Youth Day on November 23, the solemnity of Christ the King.
However, Christian witness “is not to be confused with ideological propaganda” since witness arises from friendship with the Lord and “is an authentic principle of interior transformation and social awareness” he wrote.
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”.
Therefore, “do not follow those who use the words of faith to divide; instead, make plans to remove inequalities and reconcile divided and oppressed communities,” the Pope wrote in the message released by the Vatican on Tuesday, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
The November celebration of World Youth Day is taking place a few months after the July-August celebration of the Jubilee of Youth held in Rome and two years before the international celebration in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027.
The theme for local celebrations in 2025, “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning”, is taken from St John’s Gospel account of Jesus sending his disciples into the world to bear witness to Christ despite the threat of persecution.
In his message, the Pope thanked all the young people who came to Rome or were united from afar through prayer during the Jubilee.
“I hope the Jubilee encounter marks for each of you a step forward in Christian life and a strong encouragement to persevere in witnessing to your faith,” which requires courage, he wrote.
There are two aspects of witness, he wrote: “our friendship with Jesus, which we receive from God as a gift, and our commitment to be builders of peace in society.”
Jesus “fully knows who we are and why we are here; young people, he knows your heart, your indignation in the face of discrimination and injustice, your desire for truth and beauty, for joy and peace,” he wrote.
“Through his friendship, he listens to you, motivates you, and guides you, calling each of you to a new life.”
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Pope to young people: Friendship with Jesus leads to love, not propaganda (By Carol Glatz, CNS)
