Pope Leo XIV has encouraged young Iraqi Christians gathered in Ankawa to become missionaries of faith, love and hope, urging them to be Christ’s light and peacemakers in a land marked by conflict and instability. Source: Vatican News.
Young people from across Iraq are gathered in Ankawa, in the Archeparchy of Erbil, for their annual Youth Meeting from July 8 to 11.
In a video message to the gathering, dedicated this year to the theme Mission, the Pope reminded participants that they have an indispensable role in the life of the Church today.
“The Church has a vital mission to serve the world by sharing the light of Christ,” he said, encouraging the young people to help “shape the Church — and the world — in the years to come.”
Recalling a conviction he has expressed previously, Pope Leo emphasised that “young people are not only the future of the Church, but also the present”. And recognising the difficult reality many Iraqi Christians continue to face, the Pope acknowledged that witnessing to the Gospel is often demanding.
“It is not always easy to be a light in the world,” he said. “You are called to radiate this light in a situation that has often been marked by war and instability.”
He urged them not to lose heart.
“Do not be afraid! And do not think that you are alone in this task. I am with you; the Church is with you. Place your trust in Jesus,” Pope Leo said.
Using the image of light as the guiding thread of his reflection, he highlighted three qualities that should shape every Christian disciple: faith, love and hope.
In a region longing for reconciliation, he said, young Christians are called to become builders of peace.
“You are particularly called to be peacemakers, to unite those around you, and to instil in others the hope of a future marked by lasting peace.”
Although they cannot always control the circumstances in which they live, he reminded them, they can always choose to allow “the peace of Christ to rule” in their hearts, becoming signs of the hope that comes from the Risen Lord.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo entrusted the young people to the maternal care of Mary, Mother of the Church, encouraging them to trust in God’s loving plan for their lives.
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Pope to Iraqi youth: Be Christ’s light and hope in a wounded world (Vatican News)
