Pope Leo XIV: “What a joy to see young people who are committed to the faith and want to give meaning to their lives, allowing themselves to be guided by Christ and his Gospel! Baptism makes us full members of God’s great family. The initiative always comes from him, and we respond by experiencing his saving love.”
Pope Leo XIV to the French neophytes and catechumens
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you all.
Thank you very much, Your Eminence!
Dear young people, dear friends,
First of all, I greet all of you who have come to Rome in large numbers to experience this pilgrimage of hope. I greet Bishop Jean-Philippe Nault, who is not here, all the bishops who accompany you, as well as all your chaplains and catechists.
What a joy to see young people who are committed to the faith and want to give meaning to their lives, allowing themselves to be guided by Christ and his Gospel! Baptism makes us full members of God’s great family. The initiative always comes from him, and we respond by experiencing his saving love. In your journey as catechumens and newly baptized, each of you has a personal encounter with the Lord in the community that welcomes you. We recognize ourselves personally as daughters and sons of God through our baptism “in the name of the Father,” who offers us adoption, “of the Son,” who brings us into his life and his relationship with his Father, “and of the Holy Spirit,” the source of every gift (cf. Gal 4:6). St. Paul reveals the essential effect of baptism when he writes to the Galatians: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (3:27).
Baptism introduces us into communion with Christ and gives us life. It commits us to renounce a culture of death that is very present in our society. This culture of death manifests itself today in indifference, contempt for others, drugs, the search for an easy life, sexuality that becomes entertainment and the objectification of the human person, injustice, etc.
Baptism makes us witnesses of Christ. In the rite of Baptism, there is a very powerful sign, which is when we receive the candle lit from the Paschal candle. It is the light of Christ who died and rose again that we commit ourselves to keeping lit by nourishing it through listening to the Word of God and assiduous communion with Jesus in the Eucharist. St. Ambrose never tired of repeating: “Omnia Christus est nobis! Christ is everything to us!” This is an invitation to be authentic witnesses of the Lord. He also said, with words full of love for Jesus: “Omnia Christus est nobis! If you want to heal a wound, he is the doctor; if fever burns you, he is the source; if you are oppressed by iniquity, he is justice; if you need help, he is strength; if you fear death, he is life; if you desire heaven, he is the way; if you are in darkness, he is the light… Taste and see how good the Lord is: blessed is the man who hopes in him! (De virginitate, 16, 99). To live happily and in peace, we are called to place our hope in Jesus Christ.
Following the Lord, you too are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14) . The Church needs your beautiful witness of faith to grow further and be close to all those in need.
The catechumenate is a journey of faith that does not end with baptism, but continues throughout life, with moments of joy and moments of difficulty. As St. Augustine reminds us, “If Christ had not become the source of our hope, he would not lead us. As our leader, he guides us; as our way, he makes us walk in him; as our homeland, he directs us toward himself” (St. Augustine, Psalm 61).
You are called to share your experience of faith with others, witnessing to the love of Christ and becoming missionary disciples. Do not limit yourselves to theoretical knowledge alone, but live your faith in a concrete way, experiencing God’s love in your daily lives. The journey of faith can be long and sometimes difficult, but do not be discouraged, for God is always there to support you. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you” (Is 41:10). It is essential to experience God in prayer, in the practice of the sacraments, especially the rediscovery of the sacrament of reconciliation, and in community life, in order to grow in faith and love.
Dear friends, with the help and support of your pastors, your older brothers and sisters in faith, and following the example of the saints who faced the difficulties of their own times, I encourage you to remain connected to the Lord Jesus. We are not born Christians; we become Christians when we are touched by God’s grace. However, this “touch” is expressed through our carefully considered choice and our personal journey. Without these genuine requirements, we will bear the label of Christian, but we will be Christians of convenience, habit, or comfort. We become authentic Christians when we allow ourselves to be personally touched by God’s grace. However, this “touch” is expressed through our carefully considered choices and our personal approach. Without these genuine requirements, we will bear the Christian label, but we will be Christians of convenience, habit, or comfort. We become authentic Christians when we allow ourselves to be personally touched in our daily lives by the word and witness of Jesus. In the midst of your trials, moments of loneliness and dryness, misunderstandings, and fatigue, may your hearts be established in him who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6), the source of all peace, joy, and love.
Thank you!
Let us pray together the Our Father.
[Our Father]
[Blessing]
Happy Jubilee!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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