Pope Leo to Youth: Be Beacons of Hope in a Divided World

Rome, 15 June, 2025 : Pope Leo XIV has urged young people to become agents of peace and unity in a world increasingly marked by division. Speaking via video message to thousands gathered in his hometown of Chicago, the Pope encouraged them to embrace God’s love, build community, and be “beacons of hope.”

The event, organised by the Archdiocese of Chicago, took place on Saturday, 14 June, at Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball team. It was a joyful celebration to honour the recent election of Pope Leo XIV—formerly Archbishop of Chicago—on the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, auxiliary bishops, clergy, families, and youth from across the Archdiocese attended the celebration.

In his address, Pope Leo reflected on the Holy Trinity as a model of divine unity and love. “Three persons in one God live united in the depth of love, in community, sharing that communion with all of us,” he said, inviting young people to mirror that same spirit of love in their own relationships and communities.

Faith and Community in Challenging Times

The Pope acknowledged the many challenges facing today’s youth, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “You may realise (…) the context of your life has not given you the opportunity to live the faith,” he said. He encouraged them to open their hearts to God’s presence and respond to the longing for love and meaning in their lives by serving others.

Highlighting the healing power of faith and community, the Pope encouraged young people to seek friendship, support, and shared purpose within their parishes and neighbourhoods. “Coming together as friends (…) we can find that the Lord’s grace, that the love of God can truly heal us,” he said.

A Call to Embrace Restlessness and Act

Drawing on Saint Augustine’s reflections on the “restless heart,” Pope Leo reassured the youth that their longing for meaning is a sign of spiritual vitality. “We shouldn’t look for ways to put out the fire,” he said. “But to recognise that God can work through our lives.”

He reminded young people of their calling to be active builders of peace. “The world looks to you to announce a message of true hope and to promote peace,” he said, anchoring his message in the teachings of Saint Paul and Saint Augustine.

The Pope concluded by invoking a blessing on those gathered: “May the Lord’s love and peace come upon each and every one of you (…) so that you might always be beacons of hope, a sign of hope and peace throughout our world.”

Courtesy: Vatican News