Pope Leo XIV called on young people to recognize and follow God's voice, pursue their aspirations with passion, and turn their projects into reality during the prayer vigil with young people and university students held at the National Stadium in Lima.
Before thousands of young people gathered at the sports venue on Wednesday evening, the Supreme Pontiff urged them to set aside moments of silence to encounter God.
"Talk to Him about your projects and allow yourselves to be challenged by His word. Do not be afraid to ask Him what He expects of you," the Holy Father stated.
"Some of you will be called to the priesthood or consecrated life; others to marriage and starting a family. All of you are called to put your abilities at the service of others," he added.
Likewise, His Holiness called on youth to turn to Jesus in times of suffering and speak to Him sincerely, as He knows our tears and the questions we still do not know how to answer.
The Supreme Pontiff also urged them to seek the companionship of those who love them, as some pain takes time to heal and requires a helping hand.
"Be passionate about everything that is worthwhile, about what is true, good, and beautiful. Cultivate your talents, discover the richness of your culture, and dare to undertake generous projects," the Catholic Church's head pointed out.
Furthermore, the Pope urged young people and university students not to settle for living according to what others expect of them, as God has created them capable of doing good in a way that no one else can replicate exactly.
"We all ask ourselves what to do with our lives and to whom it is worth giving the best of ourselves. There are answers that we discover only when we dare to walk with Jesus," Leo XIV stated.
"St. Paul reminds us that God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world. Before we even existed, we were already loved by Him," he added.
Evil always poisons
At another point, the Pope urged young people to engrave in their hearts the words of Benedict XVI, who stated that "evil always poisons."
"Do not be deceived. How could something that harms us make us happy? God knows our deepest desires, even better than we know ourselves," His Holiness noted.
"He has placed within us the desire to love and be happy, and He wants to bring it to fulfillment," Leo XIV added.
The Holy Father said that if some young people think they have made too many mistakes or that it is too late to start over, they should look to Jesus, who knows their stories and continues to invite them to walk with Him.
"You do not need to have your entire future figured out to answer Him. Take the step you can take today. Trust in His love and allow Him to accompany you. Many times, the Lord shows us the way as we walk along it," he concluded.