Pope Leo XIV Tells Youth "only united with Christ can we help the world believe in Him, even amid the problems you see around you caused by violence..."

Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the Third National Youth Day, taking place in Monterrey, Mexico, August 15–16, 2026, to its organizers and participants. The Holy See Press Office published the message on Saturday evening.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
TO THE ORGANIZERS AND PARTICIPANTS IN THE
THIRD NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

[Monterrey (Mexico), August 15 and 16, 2026]
_________________
Dear young people :

Now that you are celebrating National Youth Day in that beloved land of Mexico, gathered in the Archdiocese of Monterrey, I wish to share a few words with you so that we may journey together on this path of faith. It is a beautiful opportunity for all of you, together with your pastors, to come together, a meeting that springs from communion with Christ, to show the world our purpose in life: to unite ourselves to Him and thus, by sharing in His life, attain the holiness to which we are called. The title of this gathering makes this clear, for it is Christ Himself who tells us: “You also bear witness, because you are with me” (cf. Jn 15:27).

Dear young people, embrace these words with your own lives, because only united to Christ can we make the world believe in Him, even amidst the problems you see around you caused by violence, indifference, and a lack of meaning. Be able to pause and take time in silence to discern what is truly beneficial and edifying (cf. 1 Cor 10:23). In this way, united to the Master, you will be able to be His witnesses, signs of hope.

While I encourage you to participate in this day with joyful enthusiasm, I entrust you to the maternal protection of Saint Mary of Guadalupe and wholeheartedly impart to you the Apostolic Blessing.

Vatican City, August 1, 2026

LEÓN PP. XIV