Pope Leo XIV encourages Iraqi Christian youth in Ankawa to be missionaries of faith, love and hope, spreading peace in a land marked by conflict.
Newsroom (09/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV has called on young Iraqi Christians to embrace their role as missionaries of faith, love and hope, encouraging them to become “Christ’s light” in a nation still grappling with the enduring effects of conflict and instability.
The Pope delivered his message in a video address to participants attending the annual Youth Meeting in Ankawa, within the Archeparchy of Erbil. The gathering, taking place from July 8 to 11, brings together young people from across Iraq under this year’s theme, “Mission.”
Addressing the youth, Pope Leo emphasized that they play a vital and active role in the Church’s mission today, challenging perceptions that young people are merely the future generation of believers.
“The Church has a vital mission to serve the world by sharing the light of Christ,” the Pope said, encouraging participants to help “shape the Church — and the world — in the years to come.”
Reaffirming a message he has expressed previously, the Pontiff stressed that young people are not only the future of the Church but also an essential part of its present mission and witness.
A Call to Shine Amid Challenges
Acknowledging the realities facing many Christians in Iraq, Pope Leo spoke directly about the difficulties of living and witnessing to the Gospel in a society affected by years of war and instability.
“It is not always easy to be a light in the world,” he said. “You are called to radiate this light in a situation that has often been marked by war and instability.”
Despite these challenges, the Pope encouraged the young faithful to remain courageous and steadfast in their commitment to Christ.
“Do not be afraid! And do not think that you are alone in this task. I am with you; the Church is with you. Place your trust in Jesus,” he told them.
His message centered on the image of light, which he used to illustrate three fundamental qualities that should shape the life and mission of every Christian disciple: faith, love and hope.
Faith as Recognition of Truth
Reflecting on the symbolism of light, Pope Leo first described it as that which enables people to see clearly. In the same way, he explained, faith allows believers to recognize reality through the lens of God’s truth.
Faith, he said, is not merely a response to life’s hardships. Rather, it is “the recognition of reality and living in the truth,” helping Christians to understand the world, other people and themselves from God’s perspective.
He encouraged the young participants to witness to their faith through their daily lives so that others may discover the truth and meaning they seek.
Rooted in the Love of Christ
The Pope then turned to light as a source of warmth, presenting it as a symbol of God’s love. Authentic Christian mission, he explained, begins not with action alone but with a deep and personal relationship with Christ.
He urged young people to nurture that relationship through daily prayer and active participation in the sacraments, particularly Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
“Ground your hearts in the solid foundation of God’s love for you,” Pope Leo said. “Discover the heart of Christ, and do not be afraid to build your lives upon him.”
Remaining rooted in God’s love, he added, enables believers to share both the warmth of divine love and the reconciling power of God’s grace with those around them.
Builders of Peace and Hope
In the final part of his reflection, Pope Leo presented light as a sign of growth and hope, highlighting the urgent need for peacemakers in a region that continues to long for reconciliation.
He called on Iraq’s young Christians to become agents of unity and peace within their communities.
“You are particularly called to be peacemakers, to unite those around you, and to instil in others the hope of a future marked by lasting peace,” he said.
While individuals may not be able to control the circumstances surrounding them, the Pope reminded the gathering that they can choose to allow Christ’s peace to guide their hearts and actions. In doing so, they become living signs of the hope that flows from the risen Lord.
Trusting God’s Plan
Concluding his message, Pope Leo entrusted the young people to the care of Mary, Mother of the Church, and encouraged them to remain confident in God’s providence.
“Never doubt the goodness of God,” he said. “Do not be afraid of the plan the Lord has for each of your lives.”
Recalling the promise found in the prophet Jeremiah, the Pope reminded participants that God’s desire is to offer them “a future with hope.”
For the young Christians gathered in Ankawa, the message was clear: even in a land marked by uncertainty and hardship, they are called to be witnesses of faith, instruments of reconciliation and bearers of hope for both the Church and society.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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