By Isabella H. de Carvalho
“Jesus calls you to be witnesses of communion, builders of bridges and sowers of trust in a world often marked by division and suspicion.” These are the words of encouragement that Pope Leo XIV addressed to the young people gathered at St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral in Košice, Slovakia, in a videomessage released on Saturday, Nov 8.
“Do not be afraid, then, to show that you are Christians, to live the Gospel with enthusiasm, and to share the joy that springs from encountering the Lord,” he continued.
The gathering was organized by the Archdiocese of Košice to celebrate the Jubilee of Young People. It included a Mass presided by the Archbishop of the diocese and President of the Slovakian Episcopal Conference, Bernard Bober, and the Apostolic Nuncio to the country, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli.
The event also included a concert which saw the performances of the Slovakian Catholic group, Godzone, and of the Portuguese DJ, Father Guilherme Peixhoto, who played at the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon.
In his address, the Pope reminded the young people that they “are never alone” for “as children we are always loved, forgiven and encouraged by God,” while quoting his message for the 40th World Youth Day – which will be celebrated in dioceses across the world on Nov 23.
Bring joy to your families, schools, workplaces
Pope Leo XIV urged the young people to bring this insight to others as it is in fact “this certainty that makes you free, lifts you above indifference, and spurs you on to love with an open and generous heart.”
“Be witnesses of this joy!” he insisted, while inviting young people to bring the “light of Christ” to their “families, schools, universities, workplaces and communities.”
“In this way, the youthful face of the Church will continue to shine in the heart of Central Europe, where the faith of your forebears remains even today a source of new life,” he added.
He highlighted that the Cathedral of Košice is “a beating heart of faith and hope” and that the gathering of young people is “a tangible sign of the fraternity and peace that is instilled in our hearts by friendship with Christ.”
The Pope concluded his videomessage by imparting his Apostolic Blessing to all the participants and entrusting them to the Virgin Mary. – Vatican News
