Amid a large crowd of young people and university students gathered at the National Stadium in Lima, Pope Leo XIV listened attentively and with emotion to the testimonies of those who shared their life stories and the difficult times they had gone through.
The speakers recounted how, amid their doubts and suffering, they strengthened their faith and found in God a source of love and hope.
One of the most moving testimonies heard at this large gathering of young people was that of Emily Milagros, from a parish in the Diocese of Carabayllo.
During her testimony, the speaker recounted the difficult times she had experienced in her life and how her faith in God had grown stronger.
"God does not love me because I am perfect or because I always have the answers, but because He stays by my side even when I am afraid, have doubts, or feel tired," Emily said.
"What I need is to keep my heart open to listening, learning, allowing myself to be accompanied, and responding to His call," she added, as the Holy Father listened attentively.
The speaker emphasized that more young people can draw closer to God, discover His love, and find a community where they feel welcomed.
"Perhaps some of you are going through a difficult time, have questions you do not dare to voice aloud, or have drifted away from your community," Emily said.
"I, too, have experienced fear, doubts, and sadness, and I have learned that God does not ask us to hide what we are going through in order to let ourselves be loved by Him," she added.
She noted that if any young person is wondering today where God is amid difficulties, His presence sometimes does not come as an answer to all our questions, but rather as someone who draws near, listens to us, and chooses to walk alongside us.
"God was waiting for me with open arms"
Another testimony heard by Pope Leo XIV was that of Sister Lusbinda, superior of the Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters Daughters of Mary Immaculate.
The religious sister recounted that she had experienced a painful event at the age of 12 that marked her life.
At the age of 17, she volunteered in Jaén, Cajamarca region.
After her mother died of a heart attack, she went through a period of deep depression. Therefore, her brother invited her to come to Lima and introduced her to two Ursuline sisters, who invited her to take part in a vocational discernment experience.
"I had plans to have two children, but the Lord prevailed. I discovered that God loved me and was waiting for me with open arms, like a father. That helped me mature in my faith," Sister Lusbinda stated.
"The Lord has His ways, and today He has entrusted me with the task of teaching catechism, because God takes nothing away and gives everything," she added.
During the gathering between young people and the Holy Father, an artistic performance was also held, depicting the struggles and concerns of young people and drawing inspiration from the testimonies of Peruvian saints.
It underscored the need to build a civilization of love and peace.