Pope Leo meets Monaco’s youth, urging faith, hope, and self-giving amidst doubt and modern frenzy at St. Devota Church.
Newsroom (30/03/2026 Gaudium Press ) Under the late-morning sun in the heart of Monaco, thousands of young people gathered before the Church of St. Devota to listen to Pope Leo — his final public event in the principality. The air was thick with anticipation and joy as four young residents took turns asking deeply personal questions on faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in a turbulent world.
Benjamin, a 22-year-old student known for his environmental activism and strong Catholic faith, began the dialogue by asking how one can remain confident and hopeful amid ecological and geopolitical turmoil. Pope Leo responded with gentle authority, urging the youth to cultivate unity — within themselves, with others, and with Christ.
“It is love that gives stability to life,” he said, describing God’s love as the root of personal peace and the source of meaningful connection with others.
Finding Faith in the Age of Distraction
The second question came from Andreia, a 24-year-old from Portugal, who confessed to struggling with moments of “inner emptiness” and doubt. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked how to keep faith “firm and alive.”
The Pope’s answer resonated with many in the crowd. He called for spiritual discipline — “clearing the doorway of the heart” from trivial pursuits and embracing silence, prayer, and real human connection.
“Quiet the frenzy of doing and saying,” he advised, a subtle nod to the restless digital age of notifications, reels, and endless chatter. In stillness, the Pope said, believers make space for the Holy Spirit and rediscover the beauty of simply being together.
Witness Through Action
Ethan, 25, who will be baptised this Easter, and Sophia, a 35-year-old doctor, both sought guidance on living out their faith through daily action. Pope Leo reflected on the nature of authentic Christian witness.
“Words and deeds of witness and hope cannot be improvised,” he explained. “They are not the fruit of our own efforts but of a profound relationship with God.” Divine grace, he added, provides the right words and strength when needed most.
The Secret to Joy
As the midday heat settled, Pope Leo concluded his exchange with a call to generosity and service.
“Pour yourselves out completely for the Lord and for others,” he said, his voice carrying over the square. “Only in this way will you find everlasting joy and a deeper meaning in life.”
He reminded the Monegasque youth that their small nation could be a “great place of solidarity and a beacon of hope.” In a world of uncertainty and distraction, Pope Leo’s words offered the young people of Monaco both reassurance and a mission — to embrace love, silence, and service as enduring sources of peace.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican news
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