Pope Leo XIV says "You are called to share your experience of faith with others, bearing witness to Christ's love and becoming missionary disciples." to Catechumens from France

Pope Leo XIV addressed a group of young French catechumens and neophytes (recently baptised) on Monday morning, in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, acknowledging their journey of faith and the presence of bishops, chaplains, and catechists who have accompanied them along the way.
ADDRESS OF POPE LEO XIV
TO THE FRENCH NEOPHYTES AND CATECHUMENS
Hall of Blessings
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
____________________________________

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you all.
Thank you very much, Your Eminence!

Dear young people, dear friends,

To begin, I greet all of you, who have come in large numbers to Rome to experience the pilgrimage of hope. I greet Bishop Jean-Philippe Nault, who is not here, all the Bishops who are accompanying you, as well as all your chaplains and catechists.

What a joy to see young people committing themselves to faith and wanting to give meaning to their lives, allowing themselves to be guided by Christ and his Gospel! Baptism makes us full members of the great family of God. The initiative always comes from him, and we respond by experiencing his saving love. In your journey as catechumens and newly baptized, each of you has a personal encounter with the Lord in the community that welcomes you. We personally recognize ourselves as daughters and sons of God through our baptism “in the name of the Father,” who offers us adoption, “of the Son,” who brings us into his life and his relationship with his Father, “and of the Holy Spirit,” the source of every gift (cf. Gal 4:6). Saint Paul reveals the essential effect of baptism when he writes to the Galatians: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (3:27).

Baptism introduces us into communion with Christ and gives life. It commits us to renounce a culture of death that is very present in our society. This culture of death is manifested today by indifference, contempt for others, drugs, the search for an easy life, a sexuality that becomes entertainment and the objectification of the human person, injustice, etc.

Baptism makes us witnesses of Christ. In the rite of Baptism, there is a very strong, very strong sign: it is when we receive the candle lit from the Paschal candle. It is the light of the dead and risen Christ that we commit ourselves to keeping alight by nourishing it with listening to the Word of God and assiduous communion with Jesus in the Eucharist. Saint Ambrose never tired of repeating: “ Omnia Christus est nobis !; Christ is everything to us!”, an invitation to be authentic witnesses of the Lord. He also said, with words full of love for Jesus: “ Omnia Christus est nobis ! If you want to heal a wound, he is the physician; if fever burns you, he is the source; if you are oppressed by iniquity, he is justice; if you need help, he is strength; if you fear death, he is life.” If you desire heaven, he is the way; if you are in darkness, he is the light... Taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man who hopes in him!” ( De virginitate , 16, 99). To live happily and in peace, we are called to place our hope in Jesus Christ.

Following the Lord, you too are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14). The Church needs your beautiful witness of faith to grow further and be close to everyone in need.

The catechumenate is a journey of faith that does not end with baptism, but continues throughout life, with moments of joy and difficult times. As Saint Augustine reminds us, “If Christ had not become the principle of our hope, he would not lead us. As head, he guides us; as way, he makes us walk in him; as homeland, he directs us towards himself” (Saint Augustine, Psalm 61 ).

You are called to share your experience of faith with others, bearing witness to Christ's love and becoming missionary disciples. Do not limit yourselves to theoretical knowledge alone, but live your faith in a concrete way, experiencing God's love in your daily life. The journey of faith can be long and sometimes difficult, but do not be discouraged, for God is always there to support you. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will establish you; yes, I will help you" ( Is 41:10). Experiencing God in prayer, the practice of the Sacraments, especially the rediscovery of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and community life is essential in order to grow in faith and love.

Dear friends, with the help and support of your pastors, your elder brothers and sisters in the faith, and following the example of the saints who faced the difficulties of their time, I encourage you to remain connected to the Lord Jesus. We are not born Christians; we become so when we are touched by the grace of God. However, this “touch” is expressed through our duly considered choice and our personal approach. Without these true requirements, we will bear the label Christian, but Christians of convenience, habit, or comfort. We become authentic Christians when we allow ourselves to be personally touched in our daily lives by the word and testimony of Jesus. In the midst of your tribulations, moments of solitude and aridity, misunderstandings, and fatigue, may your hearts be established in him who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” ( Jn 14:6), the source of all peace, joy, and love.

THANKS !

We pray the Our Father together

[Our Father]

[Blessing]

Happy Jubilee