- 26 October, 2026
Vatican City, October 26, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has urged the international Jesus Youth movement to renew its missionary enthusiasm, remain rooted in prayer and help young people discover their vocation in Christ, as its leaders gathered at the Vatican to mark four decades since its beginnings in India.
Addressing participants at the Paul VI Audience Hall on Saturday, 24 October 2026, the Pope welcomed delegates from Jesus Youth groups worldwide, alongside bishops, priests and consecrated men and women. He described the gathering as a special occasion, marking the first meeting between the movement’s leaders and delegates and the Successor of Peter.
Recalling the movement’s origins in Kerala, Pope Leo said Jesus Youth emerged from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal through the initiative of young people inspired by a personal encounter with Jesus.
He emphasised that every authentic renewal in the Church begins with discovering Christ’s love. The movement subsequently brought together young people from prayer groups, helping them channel their spiritual enthusiasm into a shared missionary commitment.
Ten years after receiving recognition from the Holy See as an international association of the faithful, Jesus Youth has entered a new stage of ecclesial maturity, the Pope said. He encouraged its members to embrace fresh challenges, reach new countries and bear further spiritual fruit without losing their apostolic zeal.
Pope Leo encouraged young Christians, particularly those living in places where Christians are a minority, not to be afraid of witnessing to their friendship with Jesus.
He recalled the example of Ajna George, whose love for Christ present in the Eucharist sustained her during the severe trial of illness. Her witness, he suggested, reflected the courage and joy that can emerge from a deep personal relationship with Christ.
He also called on Jesus Youth to work closely with families and help young people recognise the beauty of their lives within God’s plan.
While affirming the importance of priesthood and consecrated life, he stressed that marriage, too, is a divine vocation and a path to holiness. Married members of Jesus Youth, he noted, become parents and discover opportunities to serve as missionary families, working alongside ordained ministers to spread the Gospel.
The Pope urged members to remain faithful to prayer and service to the poor, describing these as defining characteristics of Jesus Youth. He also highlighted the importance of unity within a movement marked by diverse social backgrounds, cultures and languages.
Addressing bishops and priests, he encouraged them to adopt a fatherly and forward-looking approach, overcoming difficulties arising from differences in liturgical rites and placing the spiritual welfare of young people first.
He expressed hope that Jesus Youth would retain its youthful freshness and enthusiasm, enabling more people to encounter Christ and deepen their spiritual lives.
Entrusting the movement to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo imparted his Apostolic Blessing.
His message offered Jesus Youth both encouragement and a challenge: to grow in maturity while preserving the joy, prayerfulness and missionary spirit that inspired its beginnings in India.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Reference : Vatican VA
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