Thousands of young Catholics from across West Africa are gathering in Accra, Ghana, this week with a challenge from Pope Leo XIV: refuse despair and become witnesses of peace in societies facing conflict and uncertainty.
The first West Africa Youth Days, organized by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa, brings together young Catholics from 16 countries from Sept. 7–12. According to Vatican News, the gathering is centered on the theme, “Take courage: young Catholics, agents and promoters of peace and hope in West Africa.”
In a video message delivered in English and French, Pope Leo encouraged participants to recognize the important role they already have in the life of the Church.
“At a time when so many crises seem to darken your horizon,” the Pope said, according to Vatican News, “I wish to encourage you to move forward without losing hope.”
Rather than viewing young people as a generation whose future has been lost to instability and hardship, Pope Leo told them they are the “today of God, the today of the Church.”
The Holy Father also called on young Catholics to resist division and build communities in which no one is pushed aside.
“Walking together means ensuring that no one is marginalized, isolated, excluded, or rejected,” Pope Leo said. “Be builders of bridges between peoples, cultures, and religions.”
That call to peace is reflected throughout the West Africa Youth Days program. According to Vatican News, participants will take part in prayer, catechesis, Eucharistic adoration, the Rosary, Mass, cultural activities and workshops addressing issues facing young Catholics and their communities.
The gathering also places a particular emphasis on bringing the faith into modern culture. Participants are scheduled to explore digital evangelization and the use of social media for mission, while later sessions will address social change, climate justice, peacebuilding and the challenges posed by terrorism, violent extremism and regional conflicts.
Pope Leo urged young people not to allow technology and superficial distractions to consume their youth. Instead, he encouraged them to move beyond themselves and pursue the deeper hopes God has placed within them.
As the gathering continues, participants will also devote time to pilgrimage, service and Marian devotion. According to Vatican News, a Marian day in Accra will include catechesis on the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, presenting Mary as “Queen of Peace and a model disciple for young people.”
The Pope’s message placed particular responsibility on the young Catholics themselves, reminding them that the Church trusts them to make their faith visible through the way they live.
“Through your words and actions, send a powerful message to our world, which is beset by wars and conflicts of every kind,” Pope Leo said. “Be witnesses of love, justice, and peace.”
The gathering is scheduled to conclude with participants being sent back to their countries with a mission to promote peace, hope and reconciliation.
Pope Leo concluded his message by entrusting the young people and their nations to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“May she intercede with her Son, Jesus Christ, for the integral human development of your dear nations.”
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