(Vatican City) – In a video message published on 8 July, Pope Leo XIV addressed the young people of Iraq taking part in the Ankawa Youth Meeting (AYM), organised by the Archeparchy of Erbil and scheduled from 8 to 11 July in Iraqi Kurdistan. Christian young people from different regions of Iraq are taking part in the meeting.
The theme chosen for this year’s edition is “Mission”, a concept the Holy Father linked to the natural desire of young people to do great things and leave a mark on the world.
In his message, the Pope invited the young people to be a light amid darkness, aware that the circumstances of life and the trials they encounter are often difficult to understand and face. He acknowledged that it is not easy to bring the light of Christ into today’s world, but assured them that he himself is at their side in this mission and that the whole Church accompanies and supports them in this challenge.
Leo XIV also reminded the young people that they are not only the future of the Church, but also its present. He then urged them to place their trust in Jesus, listening to him in prayer and allowing themselves to be guided also by those whom the Lord places on their path. He reiterated that both the Lord and he himself place great trust in them, entrusting them with the mission of witnessing to the Gospel.
In the course of his reflection, the Holy Father developed three dimensions of light. The first, light for seeing, was presented as the ability to recognise reality and live in truth, looking at the world, others and ourselves with God’s gaze. The second, light for loving, was linked to the warmth and transforming love of God, inviting the young people to dedicate time each day to prayer and to approach the sacraments, so that their hearts may remain firmly rooted in divine love. The third, the light of hope, was associated with growth and new life, encouraging them to be rooted in charity and to become builders of peace, capable of bringing together the people around them.
Towards the end of the video message, the Pope urged the young people never to doubt the goodness of God and never to fear the plan the Lord has prepared for each of them, recalling the words of the prophet Jeremiah, which announce a future of hope and not of disaster.
Finally, he invited them to let the gift of Christ’s peace reign always in their hearts. He concluded his message by entrusting them to the maternal protection of Mary, Mother of the Church, and imparting his Apostolic Blessing.
To read the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s video message, you can consult here
Vatican – Pope Leo XIV to Iraqi youth: “Be a light in the darkness and witnesses of hope”
