Pope Leo tells young people gathered for the 36th International Youth Festival in Medjugorje to “walk together, support each other, and inspire one another”.
Newsroom (05/08/2025 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV called on young people to emulate the Virgin Mary by pursuing genuine human connection, in a message delivered to thousands of pilgrims gathered for the 36th International Youth Festival at the Marian shrine in Medjugorje, held from August 4 to 8.
Addressing the global assembly of youth, the Pope reflected on this year’s festival theme, “We will go to the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1), describing it as a powerful summons to a shared journey toward God. “It speaks of a longing that moves us toward His dwelling place, where His love awaits us,” he said.
Christ as the Guide
The Pope posed a rhetorical question: “How can we walk toward the house of the Lord without losing our way?” Quoting John 14:6, he answered, “It is Christ Himself who accompanies us, guides us, and strengthens us along the road. His Spirit opens our eyes to what we could never understand alone.”
He emphasized the communal nature of faith, drawing on St. Augustine’s imagery of pilgrims igniting one another’s hearts to form “a single flame” that lights the path forward. “No one walks alone,” Pope Leo stressed. “We encourage each other. The flames of our hearts unite to become one great fire. You, dear young people, are not solitary pilgrims. This path toward the Lord is one we walk together, in the beauty of a faith lived out in the Church.”
Mary’s Example of Encounter
In an era dominated by digital technology and artificial intelligence, Pope Leo issued a poignant reminder: “No algorithm will ever replace an embrace, a look, a real encounter—not with God, not with our friends, not with our families.”
He pointed to the Virgin Mary’s journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth as a model of authentic connection. “It wasn’t easy, but she went—and that meeting brought joy,” he said, referencing the moment when John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth’s womb, recognizing the presence of the Lord in Mary.
The Pope urged the youth to follow Mary’s example: “Rejoice together, and don’t be afraid to weep with those who weep.”
A Universal Language
Acknowledging the cultural and linguistic diversity of the festival’s participants, Pope Leo called for courage in embracing “the language of faith, nourished by the love of God,” which transcends all barriers. He reminded the young pilgrims that they are “all members of His Body, the Church,” and encouraged them to “meet each other, get to know one another, share.”
“In walking together, supporting each other, and inspiring one another,” he concluded, “we will reach the house of the Lord.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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