Pope Leo XIV Encourages Youth in West Africa for Peace
Pope Leo XIV sent a video message to thousands of young people gathered in Accra, Ghana, for the inaugural West Africa Youth Days. The event took place from September 7 to 12 under the theme “Take courage: young Catholi…
Pope Leo XIV sent a video message to thousands of young people gathered in Accra, Ghana, for the inaugural West Africa Youth Days. The event took place from September 7 to 12 under the theme “Take courage: young Catholics, agents and promoters of peace and hope in West Africa.” Organized by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA), the gathering marked a significant moment for youth engagement within the region.
In his address, the Pope commended the Bishops of the 16 countries involved for prioritizing the pastoral needs of young people. He expressed his conviction that the time spent together would fortify their faith and enhance values like encounter and openness. “I am convinced that these powerful moments spent together will help you to grow in faith and become ever more deeply enriched by values such as encounter and openness to others,” he conveyed.
Pope Leo acknowledged the numerous challenges young people face, highlighting the pressures of doubt and insecurity that threaten their future aspirations. He stated, “At a time when so many crises seem to darken your horizon, I wish to encourage you to move forward without losing hope.” He reassured them that they are not a “sacrificed generation,” but rather represent “the today of God, the today of the Church.”
Emphasizing the potential of youth, he referenced Pope Benedict XVI, stating that young people are endowed with talents, energy, dreams, and hopes, making their youth a valuable asset for both the Church and the broader world. He encouraged them to be agents of positive change within their communities, stating, “Walking together means ensuring that no one is marginalized, isolated, excluded, or rejected.” The call to “be builders of bridges between peoples, cultures, and religions” resonated strongly as he urged them to follow Jesus' example in engaging with those on societal margins.
The Pope expressed the Church's trust in young people, urging them to manifest their goodwill and send forth a strong message in a world fraught with conflict. “Through your words and actions, send a powerful message to our world, which is beset by wars and conflicts of every kind,” he said. He prompted them to live beyond superficial engagements, stating, “Rather than sacrificing your precious youth on the altar of artificial pleasures and superficiality,” they should seek to fulfill their deeper aspirations.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his video message by entrusting the young attendees to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, wishing for her intercession with her Son, Jesus Christ, for the development of their nations.
