Pope Leo to Young People: Let the Holy Spirit Shine Through Your Daily Lives

Vatican City, August 26, 2026: Pope Leo XIV urged young people recently confirmed in the faith to allow the Holy Spirit to shape their daily lives, describing the Spirit not as a gift to be kept private but as a light meant to shine through Christian witness.

Addressing Italian pilgrims during his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope spoke particularly to confirmands from the Diocese of Chiavari who were accompanied by their Bishop.

“Dear young people, in Confirmation you have received the most beautiful gift, the Holy Spirit: it is not a treasure to be kept hidden, but a light that you must make shine every day.”

Pope Leo also extended his greetings to young people, the sick and newlyweds present at the audience.

Reflecting on the liturgical commemorations taking place later in the week, the Pope highlighted Saints Monica and Augustine, whose lives remain closely connected through their family relationship and shared Christian witness. Thursday and Friday mark the liturgical memorials of the two saints.

“They were united on earth by family ties” and now “in heaven, by the same destiny of glory,” Pope Leo said. He encouraged the faithful to look to their example as they seek to deepen their faith and live it with conviction.

“May their example,” Pope Leo said, “inspire in each of you a sincere and passionate search for the Truth of the Gospel, so that you may bear witness to it joyfully in your daily lives.”

Courtesy: Vatican News