CHICAGO — In a heartfelt video address to thousands of young people gathered at Rate Field on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV urged attendees to “become beacons of hope” in a world often defined by division and despair.
The event was hosted by the Archdiocese of Chicago to celebrate the Pope’s historic election as the first Chicago-born Pontiff, and coincided with the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Youth groups, families, and clergy from across the city attended, along with Cardinal Blase Cupich and other church leaders.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV — formerly the Archbishop of Chicago — reminded the crowd that unity, love, and shared community are central to the Christian faith.
“Three persons in one God live united in the depth of love,” he said. “They share that communion with all of us. That same spirit of love must guide your friendships, your families, your future.”
‘Let God Work Through Your Life’
Pope Leo’s remarks touched on the personal and spiritual challenges young people face today, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You may realize the context of your life has not given you the opportunity to live the faith,” he said. But rather than retreat from belief, he urged youth to “open their hearts to God’s presence,” and see their search for purpose as a sign of strength — not confusion.
He invoked the teachings of Saint Augustine, encouraging listeners not to “put out the fire” of longing and restlessness, but instead see it as a divine invitation:
“We shouldn’t look for ways to extinguish the fire. Recognize that God can work through your life.”
A Call to Heal, Unite, and Lead
Throughout the message, the Pope emphasized the importance of community-based faith — finding friendship, support, and shared purpose in neighborhoods and parishes.
“Coming together as friends, we can find that the love of God can truly heal us,” he said, adding that the world today “needs young people to become agents of peace and unity.”
He concluded his video with a personal blessing:
“May the Lord’s love and peace come upon each and every one of you, so that you might always be beacons of hope.”
The full message is available via Vatican News.
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