Pope Urges US Youth to Remain Open to God’s Plan

Vatican City, January 3, 2926: In a video message to participants of the annual SEEK Youth Conference in the United States, Pope Leo XIV called on young people to remain open to God’s plan by spending time with Jesus and listening attentively to His call.

Reflecting on Jesus’ question to the first disciples—“What do you seek?”—the Pope said Christ understood the restlessness in their hearts, a longing rooted in openness to God and the search for meaning. He reminded young people that Jesus continues to ask the same question today.

“The answer,” the Pope said, “is found in a person: the Lord Jesus alone brings us true peace and joy and fulfils our deepest desires.”

Recalling how the first disciples asked where Jesus was staying, Pope Leo noted that hearing about Christ was not enough for them. They wanted to know Him personally by spending time with Him. He told conference participants that they, too, would have this opportunity during SEEK—some encountering Jesus for the first time, others deepening an existing relationship.

The Pope encouraged the youth to remain open “to what the Lord has in store,” reminding them that even a brief encounter with Jesus can transform an entire life, as it did for the first disciples.

Such an encounter, he said, naturally leads to missionary zeal. Citing St Andrew, who immediately shared the news of the Messiah with his brother Peter, Pope Leo prayed that participants would be moved to share the joy born of a genuine meeting with the Lord.

He also urged young people not to be afraid to ask God what He is calling them to—whether priesthood, religious life, marriage or family life—assuring them that God will lead and guide those who trust Him.

Pope Leo concluded by inviting the faithful to ask Mary to lead them to her Son, so that they may come to know His love and the marvellous plan He has for each life.

The Pope’s message was introduced by Bishop Earl Fernandes, who celebrated the opening Mass of the conference. In his homily, he reflected on the Christmas season, highlighting the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the World Day of Peace, and the Pope’s call for an “unarmed and disarming peace” that flows from Christ.

The 26th SEEK Conference, themed “To the Heights,” is organised by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students and is taking place from January 1–5 in Columbus, Denver, and Fort Worth, drawing more than 25,000 young Catholics for prayer, worship, and formation.

Courtesy: Vatican News

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