Pope Leo XIV says "discover Jesus' Eucharistic presence as an unfailing source of comfort and strength in all of life's circumstances" in Surprise Message to California Conference
Pope Leo XIV sent a message, for the 70th Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, to Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, California. “His Holiness would...encourage the young people present to open their hearts to the love of God."
It is taking place in Anaheim in the US state of California, from February 19–22, 2026. The annual four-day Catholic gathering, this year, has the theme 'Wrapped in Mercy, Hope Renewed,' and is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Office of Religious Education.
The Congress brings thousands of faithful, educators, and ministry leaders from around the U.S. and globe to grow in their faith through workshops, liturgies, exhibits, keynote talks and spiritual celebrations. It began with a Youth Day for young people on Feb. 19 and adult programming continues through Feb. 22.
In the text sent on the Holy Father's behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope sent his cordial greetings and expressed his hope that these days of prayer, formation and fellowship,
In the text sent on the Holy Father's behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope sent his cordial greetings and expressed his hope that these days of prayer, formation and fellowship,
“As you gather for these days of prayer, formation, and fellowship, [Pope Leo] trusts that they will provide an opportunity for true spiritual renewal,” read the message.
As men and women dedicated to the task of religious education, you are well aware that "the authentic teacher arouses the desire for truth”
(Apostolic Letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope, 2.2).
Indeed, by deepening your relationship with Jesus, who is the Truth (cf. Jn 14:6), and continuing to be faithful and joyful disciples in your daily lives, your authenticity as educators and catechetical leaders will enable you to transmit the Gospel in such a way that it leads to a true encounter with the Lord and contributes to building up a lasting and life-giving culture (cf. ibid., 1.1).
His Holiness would likewise encourage the young people present to open their hearts to the love of God. Love not only led Jesus to give himself for us on the Cross, but also to remain with us in the Blessed Sacrament. In this regard, he prays that their experience at the Conference will help them to discover Jesus' Eucharistic presence as an unfailing source of comfort and strength in all of life's circumstances.
(Apostolic Letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope, 2.2).
Indeed, by deepening your relationship with Jesus, who is the Truth (cf. Jn 14:6), and continuing to be faithful and joyful disciples in your daily lives, your authenticity as educators and catechetical leaders will enable you to transmit the Gospel in such a way that it leads to a true encounter with the Lord and contributes to building up a lasting and life-giving culture (cf. ibid., 1.1).
His Holiness would likewise encourage the young people present to open their hearts to the love of God. Love not only led Jesus to give himself for us on the Cross, but also to remain with us in the Blessed Sacrament. In this regard, he prays that their experience at the Conference will help them to discover Jesus' Eucharistic presence as an unfailing source of comfort and strength in all of life's circumstances.
Entrusting all of you to the maternal intercession of Mary, Our Lady of the Angels, the Holy Father gladly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, joy and hope in the Lord. Cardinal Pietro Parolin Secretary of State
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