Pope Leo has encouraged young people in the United States to remain open to God’s plan for their lives, urging them to encounter Jesus personally and to trust where the Lord may be leading them.
In a video message addressed to participants of the SEEK 2026 youth conference, the Pope reflected on Jesus’ question to the first disciples, “What do you seek?” He explained that the question reveals a holy restlessness—a deep desire for meaning and truth—which still echoes in the hearts of young people today.
According to Pope Leo, the answer to that longing is found in a person: Jesus Christ. “The Lord Jesus alone brings true peace and joy and fulfills the deepest desires of the human heart,” he said.
Drawing from the Gospel, the Pope recalled how the first disciples wanted more than second-hand knowledge of Jesus; they desired to spend time with Him. In the same way, he encouraged conference participants to use SEEK as an opportunity to encounter Christ—whether for the first time or through a deeper relationship nurtured by prayer, worship, and the sacraments.
Pope Leo emphasized that even a brief encounter with Christ can transform a life, just as it did for the first disciples. He also highlighted the missionary zeal that flows from truly knowing Jesus, pointing to St. Andrew, who immediately shared his encounter with his brother, St. Peter.
The Pope urged young people not to be afraid to ask God what He is calling them to—whether marriage, priesthood, or religious life—and to trust in God’s guidance if they sense a vocation.
He concluded his message by entrusting all participants to the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying that she would lead them to a deeper knowledge of her Son and help them discover God’s loving plan for their lives.
The message was introduced by Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus during the opening Mass of the conference. In his homily, Bishop Fernandes reflected on the joy of Christmas, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the World Day of Peace, highlighting the peace that comes from Christ alone.
SEEK 2026, themed “To the Heights,” is organized by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). The five-day conference, taking place from January 1–5, has drawn over 25,000 young people across three U.S. cities: Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; and Fort Worth, Texas.
Credit: Vatican News
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