Pope Leo XIV has issued a direct and pastoral invitation to young Catholics in the United States: spend time with Jesus Christ and remain open to whatever God has prepared for your life.
In a video message addressed to participants at the SEEK 2026 youth conference, the Holy Father reflected on Jesus’ question to the first disciples — “What do you seek?” — and applied it to the spiritual restlessness many young people experience today. According to Vatican News, Pope Leo said the earliest followers of Christ were “restless, but in a good way,” because they were open to God and searching for meaning in their lives.
The Pope explained that the answer to that restlessness is not an idea or a plan, but a person. “The answer,” he said, “is found in a person: The Lord Jesus alone brings us true peace and joy, and fulfils every one of our deepest desires,” according to Vatican News.
Pope Leo emphasized that the first disciples were not satisfied with hearing others describe who Jesus was. They wanted to know Him personally. Reflecting on their question — where Jesus was staying — the Holy Father noted that “it was not enough for someone else to tell them that Jesus is the Lamb of God,” adding that they wanted to spend time with Him, according to Vatican News.
That same invitation, Pope Leo said, is offered to young people today, particularly those gathered at SEEK. Some, he acknowledged, may be encountering Christ for the first time, while others are being called to deepen an existing relationship. According to Vatican News, he encouraged participants to “be open to what the Lord has in store for you,” reminding them that even a brief encounter with Christ can change a life forever.
The Pope also connected a genuine encounter with Jesus to missionary zeal. Citing the example of Saint Andrew, who immediately brought his brother Peter to Christ, Pope Leo prayed that young people would be moved to share their faith. According to Vatican News, he asked that they “be moved by this same missionary zeal to share with those around you the joy that you have received from a genuine encounter with the Lord.”
Addressing discernment, Pope Leo urged young Catholics not to fear asking God what vocation He is calling them to, whether priesthood, religious life, or marriage and family life. According to Vatican News, he encouraged them plainly: “do not be afraid… Let God lead and guide you!”
The Pope concluded his message by turning to the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking her to help young people come to know Jesus more deeply. According to Vatican News, he invited participants to ask Mary “to lead us to know Jesus Christ, her Son,” so that they may understand His love and “the marvellous plan He has for each of our lives.”
The message was introduced by Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus, who celebrated the opening Mass of the conference in his diocese. Reflecting on the Christmas season, Bishop Fernandes highlighted the Church’s celebration of Christ’s coming into the world and drew attention to the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the World Day of Peace, and Pope Leo’s call for an “unarmed and disarming peace,” according to Vatican News.
SEEK 2026, whose theme is “To the heights,” marks the 26th edition of the annual conference sponsored by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. According to Vatican News, more than 25,000 young people are participating in the five-day event taking place January 1–5 in Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; and Fort Worth, Texas. The conference brings together thousands of Catholics for prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, the sacraments, and faith formation centered on a personal encounter with Christ.
Through his message, Pope Leo XIV offered young Catholics a clear challenge and a hopeful promise: that openness to Christ, even in moments of restlessness and uncertainty, can lead to peace, purpose, and a life transformed by God’s grace.
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