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In his Angelus address Aug. 3, Pope Leo XIV told the crowd gathered for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome that, in a violence-stricken global community, they exemplify what the world could be instead.
“In communion with Christ, our peace and hope for the world, we are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings,” the Pontiff remarked. “We are with the young people of Gaza, we are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war. 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 with weapons but with dialogue.”
God makes peace possible with His love, forgiveness and power, Pope Leo explained. He encouraged the youths to embrace that reality and share it in their communities.
“My dear friends, united to Jesus, like branches to the vine, you will bear much fruit,” he said. “You will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. You will be seeds of hope where you live, in your families, among your friends, at school, at work, and in sports. You will be seeds of hope with Christ, our hope.”
Pope Leo also shared news: He will celebrate World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea, from Aug. 3 to 8, 2027, with a theme taken from Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John: “Take courage! I have overcome the world!” (Jn 16:33).
“It is precisely the hope that dwells in our hearts that gives us the strength to proclaim the victory of the risen Christ over evil and death; and you, young pilgrims of hope, will be witnesses of this to the ends of the earth,” the Pontiff remarked.
In addition, the Pope thanked God for the Jubilee, “an outpouring of grace for the Church and for the whole world”; the clergy, religious, and educators who came with the youths for the event; and everyone who prayed and participated spiritually in the event. After Holy Mass, he continued those expressions of gratitude by thanking musicians and event organizers.
In his message after the Holy Mass, he also asked those gathered to share joyful greetings with their friends, everyone who needs hope, and all who could not come.
“There are places from where young people could not come here, for reasons that we know,” the Pope said.
More than 1 million pilgrims were gathered for the Mass, Vatican News reported.