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It takes courage to stand for — not against
· Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV urged young people to embrace 'gentle courage' in a message released on November 3 for the 2026 World Youth Day, celebrated on November 22.
The pope emphasized the importance of showing love when harshness seems easier, seeking peace when confrontation appears more advantageous, and holding fast to hope when cynicism seems more convincing.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV wrote, 'Christians are called to follow Christ in his gentle courage: the courage to show love when harshness seems easier and more effective; the courage to seek peace when confrontation appears more advantageous; and the courage to hold fast, to hope when cynicism seems more convincing.'
The pope acknowledged that many young people may be experiencing uncertainty or fear, just like the first disciples, and encouraged them to open their hearts to Christ and allow His courage, peace, and love to win over the darkness and suffering that exists in the world.
Pope Leo XIV also addressed the issue of technology, stating, 'Indeed, you are longing for genuine affection, since technology cannot replace authentic human closeness but can only imitate empathy.'
The message was signed by Pope Leo XIV on October 22, the memorial of St. John Paul II, who established World Youth Day in 1985.
Background
Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the 2026 World Youth Day, emphasized the importance of courage, peace, and love in overcoming the darkness and suffering in the world.
What's confirmed
- It takes courage to let your guard down and show people the real you.
- “Christians are called to follow Christ in his gentle courage: the courage to show love when harshness seems easier and more effective; the courage to seek peace when confrontation appears more advantageous; and the courage to hold fast, to hope when cynicism seems more convincing,” the pope wrote in the message released by the Vatican Nov. 3.
- Christ’s invitation to take courage is still relevant today, Pope Leo wrote, especially as many young people may be experiencing uncertainty or fear, just like the first disciples.
- "Many regard love as a form of weakness, but Christ shows us that it is a source of freedom and strength," he said in his message to young people ahead of the local celebrations of World Youth Day Nov. 22, the solemnity of Christ the King.
What's still developing
- "I like Lula, we get along well," Trump said, responding to the result.
- He invites them to follow Christ’s “gentle courage”: “the courage to show love when harshness seems easier,” to seek peace, and “to hold fast to hope when cynicism seems more convincing.” — Full text (vatican.va) · Holy See Press Office [IT] · Vatican News [IT] As Americans vote in the midterms, some 375 Franciscan Action Network poll chaplains in several dozen states will offer “a peaceful presence to the polls — a deescalating presence,” Robert Christian told OSV News.