As Christmas draws near, Pope Leo XIV is urging young Catholics to take a concrete step toward peace by reconciling with someone close to them, reminding them that true peace begins in everyday relationships, not in grand gestures or material gifts.
During a recent meeting with young members of Italian Catholic Action, the Holy Father emphasized that peace is far more valuable than anything that can be purchased. “We all desire this peace for nations wounded by conflict,” Pope Leo said, “but let us remember that harmony and respect begin in our daily relationships, in the gestures and words we exchange at home, at the parish, with schoolmates, in sports,” according to Vatican News.
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The Pope rooted his message firmly in the mystery of Christmas itself. Reflecting on the birth of Christ, whom Scripture calls the “Prince of Peace,” he explained that peace is not simply the absence of war, but something much deeper. He described it as “friendship among peoples based on justice,” noting that this kind of peace is formed first within the human heart.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo told the young people that peace is a gift that “can truly only be found in the heart,” and that promoting it is a central Christian mission. He described peacemaking as a “Catholic action par excellence,” because it allows believers to become witnesses of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world.
The Holy Father also encouraged young Catholics to reflect prayerfully before Nativity scenes in their homes, schools, and parishes. Looking at the figures gathered around the newborn Christ, he said, reveals an essential truth of the Gospel: “around the Lord, who became man to save us, there is room for everyone,” according to Vatican News. This message closely aligns with the 2025 theme chosen by Catholic Action youth groups, “There is room for everyone.”
Pope Leo expanded on this idea by reminding young people that Christ Himself experienced rejection at His birth. “When the Son of God comes into the world, He doesn’t find room in a house, but knocks on our hearts just as He opens His own to welcome everyone with love,” he said, as reported by Vatican News.
Turning to concrete examples, the Pope invited young Catholics to look to saints who lived this message authentically. He pointed to St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a member of Catholic Action, and Blessed Carlo Acutis as models of joyful Christian witness. By following their example, he said, young people can proclaim peace not only with words, but with their lives.
“This peace is the commitment of every person of good will, and especially of us Christians, who are called not only to be good, but to become better every day,” Pope Leo told the group, according to Vatican News. He added that life with Christ brings true freedom and happiness, enabling believers to reach out to their neighbors, especially those most in need.
As Christmas approaches, the Pope’s message offers a simple but challenging invitation: to prepare room for Christ by choosing reconciliation, mercy, and peace—beginning at home, and extending outward to the world.
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