Pope Leo XIV tells Peruvian youth: ‘Jesus knows your story and continues to invite you to walk with Him’

Lima, November 13, 2026: Pope Leo XIV reminded young people and university students in Peru that no mistake or past failure can place them beyond the reach of Jesus’ love, encouraging them to trust in Him and continue walking with Him.

The Pope delivered this message during a prayer vigil held on Thursday evening at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, which marked the final event of his first full day in Peru. More than 60,000 people gathered at the stadium for the occasion.

"Perhaps some of you may think that you have made too many mistakes or that it is already too late to begin again. I would like to say to you: Look to Jesus. He knows your story and continues to invite you to walk with Him."

He encouraged the young people not to feel that they must have their entire future planned before responding to God's call. "You do not need to have your entire future figured out before responding to Him. Take the step you can take today. Trust in His love and allow Him to accompany you. Often, the Lord shows us the way as we walk along it."

Jesus is interested in everything that concerns you

Reflecting on the hopes and questions that young people carry, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that certain questions can remain with them for a long time. He reminded them that Jesus is concerned about every aspect of their lives.

"Jesus," the Pope reminded them, "is interested in all of this because He is interested in you."

"Do not be afraid to speak to Him sincerely, even when you struggle to find the words to pray," the Holy Father said, noting that "He knows our tears and the questions to which we still have no answers."

He explained that faith sustains people along their journey and reminds them that suffering never has the final word. He also encouraged the young people to seek the company of those who love them, recognising that some sorrows require time and a helping hand.

Do not settle and do not be deceived by false voices

The Pope urged the young people not to shape their lives merely according to the expectations of others. He reminded them of their unique capacity to contribute to the world.

"God created you capable of doing a good that no one else can accomplish in exactly the same way."

Acknowledging the fear that following God's will might require giving up personal dreams, Pope Leo XIV cautioned against the more dangerous suspicion that God is depriving people of something and that experiencing sin is necessary to enjoy life fully (cf. Gen 3:5).

In this context, he recalled the words of Benedict XVI, which he said he wished to engrave in their hearts: "Evil always poisons."

"Do not be deceived! How could something that harms us bring us happiness? God knows our deepest desires even better than we do. He has placed within us the desire to love and to be happy, and He wants to bring that desire to its fullness."

The Pope emphasised that recognising the Lord's voice is essential to discerning life's choices and temptations. He encouraged the young people to make time for silence and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

"For this reason, dear young people, set aside moments of silence, moments of silence before the Blessed Sacrament, to encounter Him. Speak to Him about your plans and allow His Word to challenge you. Do not be afraid to ask Him what He expects of you. Some of you will be called to the priesthood or consecrated life; others will be called to marriage and to building a family. All of you are called to put your abilities at the service of others."

Jesus 'takes nothing away, and He gives you everything'

Pope Leo XIV stressed that whatever a person may have done, the Lord continues to knock at the doors of their hearts, inviting them to welcome Him and remain in Him.

"Our vocation, too, grows when we learn to remain close to the Lord, to listen to Him and to share our joys and concerns with Him. In time, those disciples would discover the full extent of His love."

Describing Jesus as the Friend who calls each person, the Pope encouraged the young people to nurture their relationship with Him through prayer, the Eucharist and listening to His Word.

"This is the Friend who calls you! Nurture this friendship through prayer, the Eucharist and listening to His Word."

"Do not be afraid to speak about Jesus and to show through your lives how much good His friendship does for you."

He invited the Peruvian youth to listen to Jesus' invitation and "dare to follow Him."

The Pope again recalled Benedict XVI's words from a 2005 homily, in which he emphasised that the Lord "takes nothing away, and He gives you everything."

A 'simple prayer' to help us trust Jesus more and more each day

Encouraging the young people to place their confidence in Christ, Pope Leo XIV urged them to trust Him as they would a true friend who knows, loves and never abandons them.

"Trust in Christ! Trust in Him as you would in a true friend, one who knows you, loves you and never abandons you."

Concluding the prayer vigil, the Holy Father invited the faithful to seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints of Peru, asking the Lord to strengthen their trust, help them live their vocation with passion and remain in His friendship.

"Let us ask the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints of Peru, to increase this trust each day, to help us live our vocation with passion and to remain always in His friendship."

The Pope concluded by offering the young people a simple prayer to help them grow in trust in Jesus each day:

Jesus, I trust in you.

Jesus, I trust in you.

Jesus, I trust in you.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Come into my heart,

come into my family,

come into my community.

Come quickly into my life!

Come quickly, Lord!

Courtesy: Vatican News