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Pope Leo XIV Urges Young People to Embrace 'Gentle Courage'
· Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV released a message on November 3 for the 2026 World Youth Day, celebrated on November 22, urging young people to embrace 'gentle courage.' The pope emphasized the importance of showing love, seeking peace, and holding fast to hope in the face of cynicism.
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 noted that Christian courage does not arise from personal strength but from Christ's presence. He invited young people to follow Christ’s gentle courage, especially as many may be experiencing uncertainty or fear, just like the first disciples.
Pope Leo XIV signed the message on October 22, the memorial of St. John Paul II, who established World Youth Day in 1985 to be held annually on the local level and every two to four years with an international gathering.
The pope's message also addressed the challenges young people face, such as anxiety about the future, pressure to succeed, and the stress of constantly comparing themselves with others or with unattainable ideals.
In a world wounded by injustice, conflict, fear, violence, and loneliness, the pope wrote, 'everything is transformed by love.' He encouraged young people to open their hearts to Christ and allow His courage, peace, and love to overcome darkness and suffering.
The message was released as young people across the globe face various challenges, including political and social issues. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of standing true to one's values and not against others.
The pope's call for gentle courage resonates with the need for young people to find strength in love and peace, even in the face of adversity.
Background
Pope Leo XIV urges young people to embrace 'gentle courage' in a message released for the 2026 World Youth Day.
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.
- “Have the courage to be your true selves before God and others,” he wrote.
- “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.