It takes courage to stand for — not against — something, pope tells young people

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a world full of possibilities, yet still marked by injustice and fear, Pope Leo XIV said young Christians are called to transform the world with love.

“Many regard love as a form of weakness, but Christ shows us that it is a source of freedom and strength,” he said in his message to young people ahead of the local celebrations of World Youth Day Nov. 22, the solemnity of Christ the King.

In a world created good but still wounded by injustice, conflict, fear, violence and loneliness, he wrote, “everything is transformed by love.” 

“Christians are called to follow Christ in his gentle courage: the courage to show love when harshness seems easier and more effective; the courage to seek peace when confrontation appears more advantageous; and the courage to hold fast, to hope when cynicism seems more convincing,” the pope wrote in the message released by the Vatican Nov. 3.

Pope Leo signed the message Oct. 22, the memorial of St. John Paul II, who established World Youth Day in 1985 to be held annually on the local level and every two to four years with an international gathering.

The upcoming November celebration of World Youth Day is part of preparations before the 41st international celebration in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 3-8, 2027.

The theme for local celebrations in 2026, “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33), is among the last words Jesus addresses to his disciples before leaving them and helping them see how they can face the troubles awaiting them.

Christ’s invitation to take courage is still relevant today, Pope Leo wrote, especially as many young people may be experiencing uncertainty or fear, just like the first disciples.  

“Perhaps you are anxious about the future, feel pressured to succeed and appear perfect, or experience the stress of constantly comparing yourselves with others or with unattainable, manufactured ideals,” he wrote. “Under the influence of carefully curated images on social media, you may find it difficult to recognize and accept who you truly are.”

“Indeed, you are longing for genuine affection, since technology cannot replace authentic human closeness but can only imitate empathy,” he added.

Christ conquered the world by loving it, the pope wrote. “Christian courage is not courage against something or someone, but courage for something: for life, for truth, for freedom, and for justice.” 

“Christ does not call you to flee from this world, but to see it through his eyes and touch it with his love, which heals all things,” he wrote, adding that everyone has a part to play, “however small, in helping transform a ‘world of darkness’ into a ‘world redeemed.'”

“Have the courage to be your true selves before God and others,” he wrote. “Your dignity does not come from the image you manage to create for yourselves.”

“Do not wait until you are perfect before opening yourselves to him,” he told young people. “He comes to meet you just as you are.”

“Do not settle for a life that falls short of the one to which Christ calls you.  Allow yourselves to be united and transformed by his love,” he added.

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