Pope Leo to young people: You will not find happiness on social networks, but in encountering God.

VATICAN - The Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio, USA) is involved in organizing the annual Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences. On the occasion of this year's 50th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV addressed the participants of these conferences. Drawing on the legacy of this saint, he spoke primarily about authentic peace and perfect joy.

“We can ask ourselves: Do I truly desire peace for those who come into contact with me? Do I treat others in a way that brings them peace?” Pope Leo XIV challenged his listeners, referring to the common Franciscan greeting, "Peace and goodwill." He also reminded them that peace is a gift from God, and that St. Francis "was able to spread peace because he carried within him the source of true peace."

True joy cannot be found in front of a screen

When the Pope spoke about perfect joy, he emphasized that even that has its source in God. The joy that St. Francis experienced "cannot be found in electronic devices, in hours spent in front of a screen, or in the endless scrolling of social media. These activities often waste precious time that could be spent on moments of quiet prayer, cultivating true friendships, spending quality time with family, deepening our knowledge of our faith, studying, or playing sports. Joy should never be sought in drug use, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, superficial relationships, obsession with one's own appearance, or any other harmful behavior."

“Many of you have heard since you were young that God loves you. But do you truly believe it?” the Pope asked the young people. “You are precious in God's eyes! God loves you unconditionally! Are you sure of that?” And he added: “What can we give him in return for such love, for such a generous gift? Nothing but ourselves!”

Do not be afraid of a spiritual calling

The Pope also emphasized that God needs holy men and women to found loving Catholic families; priests to be spiritual fathers; and religious brothers and sisters to be witnesses to the true joy of His kingdom.

“If you feel that the Lord may be calling you to one of these vocations, do not close yourself off to it, do not turn away out of fear, but take a step forward and say to the Lord: 'Here I am, send me!' At the same time, do not be afraid to talk about it with a trusted friend, a priest, or a religious sister,” said Pope Leo XIV.

The Pope encouraged the young participants of the Steubenville conferences to be open to God's call to be witnesses to this divine love, heralds of joy, and spreaders of peace in families, in the priesthood, and in the consecrated life. "May Christ's love fill you, and may you meet other young people who long to give their lives to Him fully and find true happiness," he concluded his video message with a prayer and blessing.