Pope encourages young people to bear witness to Christ with courage and joy

Vatican, April 23, 2026: Addressing young people and families gathered at the Bata Stadium in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV responded individually to the testimonies presented for reflection, speaking on the importance of effort and discipline in life, the dignity of work, the challenges encountered by women in the workplace, the joy found in dedicating oneself to God, and the meaningful mission of being spouses and parents.

Music, songs, colours, smiles, and joy filled the Bata Stadium, which can accommodate more than 30,000 people and was filled with young people and families, seminarians, priests, and the faithful of Bata, who offered the Pope a “warm welcome.” Expressing gratitude for their affection, the Pope recalled the theme of the visit to Equatorial Guinea—“Christ, Light of Equatorial Guinea, toward a future of hope”—and assured them that "the brightest light here is the one that shines in your eyes, on your faces, in your smiles, and through your songs," all bearing witness that "Christ is the joy, meaning, inspiration, and beauty of our lives.”

The culture of effort

The Pope’s address, introduced by a welcome from the Apostolic Administrator of Bata, Bishop Miguel Ángel Nguema Bee, followed a series of testimonies that guided his reflection. It began with Alicia, who spoke about the importance of remaining faithful to one’s responsibilities and contributing, through daily work, to the good of the family and society.

"She shared with us her dream of a land “where young people, men and women, do not seek easy success, but choose the culture of effort, discipline and hard work — a land where this is valued.” She said that being Christian means not only participating in the Eucharistic celebration, but also working with dignity and treating everyone with respect. She also spoke about the challenges women face in the workplace."

Following the Lord, you will receive “a hundredfold”

The Pope then responded to seminarian Francisco Martín, who spoke about his vocational calling, sharing not only the joy of opening his life to God but also the struggles he experienced before saying his “yes,” which he embraced with joy and deep peace.

"A life given to God is one of happiness, but it must be renewed each day through prayer, the sacraments and time spent with the brothers and sisters whom the Lord places along our path. In the communion of hearts and in acts of kindness toward those in need, the miracles of charity are continually renewed. So, if you feel that Christ is calling you to follow him in a path of special consecration — as priests, religious sisters, or religious brothers, catechists — do not be afraid to follow in his footsteps."

The family: fertile ground for human and Christian growth

Addressing the families present, the example of Purificación and Jaime Antonio served as a reminder that, through trust in God, families can grow in unity, welcoming life as a gift to be protected and nurtured for an encounter with the Lord.

"Being spouses and parents is an exciting mission — a covenant to be lived each day. Within this covenant, you will continually rediscover one another as you cooperate with God in the miracle of life and in building happiness for yourselves and for your children. Be prepared to embrace this calling as a journey of true love that grows in freedom; as a journey of hope, born from the knowledge that God will never abandon you; and as journey of holiness, in which you always seek the good and happiness of others."

Respect for life that is born and grows

Finally, the Pope expressed gratitude for the “sincerity and courage” of a 13-year-old boy, the son of a single mother abandoned by his father, whose words call for building a better world founded on respect for life that is born and grows. All are invited to nurture, live, and bear witness to life despite sacrifices, judgements, prejudices, and stereotypes that attempt to diminish its value.

"Victor Antonio has reminded us that welcoming life requires love, commitment and care. These words, spoken by a young person, should lead us to reflect seriously on the importance of protecting and safeguarding the family and the values learned within it."

Let us be witnesses of the love Jesus has given us

The Pope emphasised the need for every person to feel respected and for no one to be forgotten; he also called on institutions to take part in transforming the world. Together, he urged, let this become a firm resolution and a joyful commitment, so that Christ, Light of Equatorial Guinea, of Africa, and of the whole world, may guide all towards a future of hope.

"Dear young people, parents and all who are present, let us be inspired by the beauty of love; let us become witnesses to the love that Jesus has given us and taught us! Let us show every day that it is beautiful to love — that the greatest joys, in every situation, come from knowing how to give and from giving of ourselves, especially when we reach out to those most in need. The light of charity, nurtured in our homes and lived out in faith, can truly transform the world..."

Courtesy: Vatican News