---
title: Pope: Young People Long to Know Christ's Love
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-young-people-long-to-know-christs-love
published: 2026-10-27T18:48:38+00:00
language: en
section: Mission and Aid
source: https://www.vaticannews.va/ja/pope/news/2026-10/leone-xiv-jesus-youth-international-conference.html
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Pope: Young People Long to Know Christ's Love

On October 24, Pope Leo XIV met with participants of the 'Jesus Youth International Conference' in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. 'Jesus Youth' originated in the 1970s as part of the 'Catholic Charismatic Renewal' movement, bringing together various faith groups of young people from Kerala, India, culminating in the 'Jesus Youth 85' gathering in 1985. Currently, this movement has spread to 25 countries worldwide.

The 'Jesus Youth International Conference 2026' commemorated the 40th anniversary of the 'Jesus Youth' movement and the 10th anniversary of its recognition as an international lay organization by the Holy See. During his greeting to the conference participants, Pope Leo XIV expressed joy at this gathering, marking the first meeting between representatives of the Jesus Youth movement and the Pope.

Reflecting on the journey of 'Jesus Youth,' which was inspired by the personal encounter with the Lord Jesus through the spontaneous initiatives of young people as part of the Charismatic Renewal movement, the Pope noted that this movement, now at a time of maturity, is called to embrace new challenges and bear new fruits. He emphasized that maintaining and nurturing apostolic zeal is only possible by continually looking to Jesus Christ.

The Pope encouraged many members living in regions where Christians are a minority not to fear witnessing their friendship with Jesus, stating that young people's hearts long to know Christ's love. He advised cooperation with families to support the vocation to marriage. Young people should recognize that their lives are part of God's grand and wonderful plan, and they need to promote the joy of embracing vocations, including the priesthood, consecrated life, and marriage as divine calls to holiness.

The Pope encouraged those involved in the movement to faithfully practice a life of prayer and service to the poor while maintaining unity across diverse social backgrounds, cultures, and languages. He expressed the hope that this movement would always be filled with youthful freshness and enthusiasm for faith, allowing many to encounter the Lord and grow in spiritual life.

## This story in other languages

- [Português (Brasil)](https://www.faithfulnews.com/pt-br/papa-destaca-que-jovens-desejam-conhecer-o-amor-de-cristo)