‘You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” (Jn 15:27): the Message of Pope Leo XIV for the 40th World Youth Day has been published

‘You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” (Jn 15:27) is the verse that guides Pope Leo XIV's Message for the 40th World Youth Day (WYD), which this year will again be celebrated in particular Churches throughout the world on the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, Sunday 23 November 2025.

The thematic journey begun on the occasion of the 39th WYD Message to young people with the theme ‘Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary’ (Is 40:31) now encourages young people to open themselves and accept the challenge of being ‘pilgrims of hope’ and courageous witnesses of Christ. The Message invites young people and youth pastoral ministers to focus on three central aspects of witness: friendship with Jesus, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit; witness as an experience of mission; and contribution to society, which is the building of peace.

Friends, therefore witnesses - Witnessing comes from love! And young people, as beloved disciples, are called to a relationship of friendship with Jesus that generates witness. From the love they have received from Christ comes the ability to share this love with other young people, to accompany them, to face the challenges of society and to respond to evil with good. The example of the love of the saints and martyrs encourages them even more, and the Message invites them to “continue to individuate Jesus’ friends and witnesses in the Bible” since all of them found the true meaning of their lives in their living relationship with Christ.

On a pastoral level, therefore, the theme of friendship with Christ and the witness generated by this encounter are central to the formation programme that will prepare for the international edition of WYD in Seoul in 2027.

Witnesses, therefore missionaries – The Holy Father reminds young people that being Christians means being missionaries: “In this way, dear young people, with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can become missionaries of Christ in the world. Many of your peers are exposed to violence, forced to use weapons, separated from their loved ones, and compelled to migrate or flee. Many lack education and other essential goods. All share with you the search for meaning and the insecurity that accompanies it, the discomfort of growing social and work pressures, the difficulty of dealing with family crises, the painful feeling of a lack of opportunities, as well as the remorse for mistakes they have made. You can stand alongside other young people, walk with them and show that God, in Jesus, has drawn close to each person.” Mission is a Christian way of life and witness requires perseverance and courage. Pope Leo invites youth not to be discouraged: “So do not be discouraged: like the saints, you too are called to persevere with hope, especially in the face of difficulties and obstacles”.

Fraternity as a bond of peace - Finally, friendship with Christ gives rise to the call to build peace, as a social commitment, as a witness and tangible sign of fraternity. In his first message to young people, the Holy Father states: “The witness of fraternity and peace that friendship with Christ awakens in us casts off indifference and spiritual laziness, helping us to overcome closed-mindedness and suspicion. It also builds bonds between us, urging us to work together, from volunteerism to “political charity,” to build new living conditions for all”. Fraternity and peace become fundamental themes to propose to young people because: “From friendship with Christ, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit within us, there arises a way of life that bears the character of fraternity. Young people who have encountered Christ bring the “warmth” and “flavor” of fraternity wherever they go, and anyone who comes into contact with them is drawn into a new and profound dimension, made up of selfless closeness, sincere compassion and genuine tenderness”.

The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, therefore, constantly at the service of youth, invites young people and youth ministry agents to celebrate the 40th World Youth Day in all particular Churches and to prepare themselves with the words of the Holy Father for the celebration on 23rd November, continuing, in the months to follow, the urgent reflection on the courage of witness, the perseverance of missionary spirit, and the opening of hearts to peace.

All the Messages of World Youth Days are available on the website www.laityfamilylife.va, on the page dedicated to Papal Messages.