“Do not be discouraged!”: Pope Leo XIV encourages young people

Wars, crises, fears about the future and social tensions: many young people look at the world with concern. Pope Leo XIV takes these fears seriously. In his message for the 41st World Youth Day, published on Tuesday, November 3, he encourages young people not to let themselves be paralyzed by the challenges and to help shape the future with hope and confidence. World Youth Day will be celebrated worldwide in individual dioceses on November 22, 2026.

“Take courage: I have conquered the world!”

As his motto, the Pope chose a verse from the Gospel of John (John 16:33). He does not conceal how difficult the situation is for many young people: the world, he says, is full of opportunities, but at the same time marked by injustice, tension and fear. Many long for peace and community, yet instead experience violence and loneliness.

Christians, says Leo XIV, should not let themselves be discouraged by these contradictions. Rather, they are called to see the world through the eyes of Christ and to meet it with love. Jesus did not love the world “from a distance.” His followers should therefore not withdraw, but be present where people need help, attention and hope.

Courage in everyday life

The Pope becomes concrete when it comes to the question of what Christian courage can look like in everyday life. It is about remaining loving even when harshness seems easier, seeking peace instead of confrontation, and not giving up hope even in difficult times. This courage is not directed against others, but stands for “life, truth, freedom and justice.”

At the same time, Leo XIV emphasizes the importance of humility. This includes acknowledging one’s own limits and accepting the help of others.

Next destination: Seoul 2027

Finally, the Pope looks ahead to the next international World Youth Day, which will take place in Seoul from August 3 to 8, 2027. Young people from all over the world are expected to attend the gathering to celebrate their faith together with the Pope. In addition to liturgies and prayers, it offers space for encounters, for exchanging views on questions of faith, and for getting to know other cultures. There, young people could experience the diversity of the universal Church and the hospitality of the Korean Church, writes Leo XIV.

With his invitation, the Pope expresses a special wish: that the gathering become a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, to whom young people can entrust their lives.

World Youth Day is one of the largest international events of the Catholic Church. It is meant to encourage young people to live out their faith and to actively engage in Church and society. With Seoul, the gathering will take place in Asia for the first time since 1995.