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Pope Leo XIV spoke to the attendees of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival by a pre-recorded video message on Monday, December 1, telling them to turn to God before all else.
"Being young is a wonderful time in life because there is so much to learn and experience. At the same time, there are many challenges to face as you try to grow and mature your character within a social context," said Pope Leo to the festival, which is held in Melbourne from November 30 through December 2.
This can be a challenge in today's world, said the Pope, as "societies are constantly changing, traditional values are frequently looked down upon, and technology while containing positive elements can also leave us more isolated from each other."
But as Christians, before turning to friends or the wider pop culture, "we should first turn to God, our Heavenly Father, who, at the moment of our baptism, made each one of us his beloved son or daughter."
It is the ultimate purpose of our lives, said Pope Leo, to become "who God made us to be, in other words, by living out His will in our lives."
Rather than seek to imitate the lives of others, the young people of today should "listen to what God is calling you to be and do."
"In particular, I am sure that the Lord is calling some of you to serve him in the priesthood or consecrated life. Please have the courage to say ‘yes!'"
The only way a person can hear God's voice is to grow closer in a relationship with Him, said Pope Leo, "especially through prayer and the sacraments."
"Moreover, as with any other relationship, to be a better daughter, son, brother, or sister, we have to live out those relationships with greater love, commitment, and sacrifice. Take inspiration from the saints who profoundly lived out their identity as children of God and always kept him at the center of their lives."
And when the Australian Catholic Youth Festival is over, participants should look to "build networks and friendships with one another and work together to build up the Kingdom of God in your local areas."
"As St. Paul teaches us, the Body of Christ is united even with many different members, so there is a place and a need for each of you, and for the unique contribution only you can make. At the same time, never be discouraged when you fall in your discipleship, for with God’s grace – and encountering him in the sacrament of confession – this too can become a moment for renewal and growth in holiness."
