4 reflexiones que el Papa propone a los jóvenes con motivo de la JMJ de Seúl

«Take heart; I have overcome the world!» (Jn 16:33). This is the motto chosen by Leo XIV for the 41st World Youth Day (WYD), whose message was published on November 3. The text, signed by the Holy Father on October 22, the liturgical memorial of Saint John Paul II, will accompany the local Churches in the preparation for this celebration and the international gathering that will take place in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3 to 8, 2027.

World Youth Day will be celebrated this year in local churches throughout the world on Sunday, November 22, coinciding with the Solemnity of Christ the King. The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life has emphasized that this period of preparation is an invitation to reflect on the meaning of courage and true Christian victory.

The source of true value 

In his message, Leo XIV reminds us that Christian courage stems not only from personal willpower, but also from the presence of Christ, who accompanies young people in the midst of difficulties. Furthermore, he emphasizes that it is a courage exercised in favor of life, truth, freedom, justice, and peace, and never against anyone.

«Many desire peace, but find violence; many long for communion, but experience loneliness,» the Pope writes. Faced with these contradictions, he invites Christians to follow Christ with humble courage: «the courage to be kind when harshness seems easier and more decisive, the courage to seek peace when confrontation seems more advantageous, the courage to safeguard hope when cynicism seems more convincing» (Message of Pope Leo XIV for the 41st World Youth Day).

Christian victory is self-surrender

Another central theme of the message is the meaning of victory. Jesus has conquered the world of evil and selfishness through the Cross and the Resurrection. Therefore, explains Leo XIV, Christian victory does not consist in dominating others, but in surrendering oneself and opening oneself to love one's neighbor.

The Pope reminds young people that their dignity does not depend on the image they construct of themselves or on the need to constantly prove their worth. «They are precious because they are created in the image of God, known by Him, and loved by Him,» he affirms.

This certainty allows them to not have to pretend to be perfect or hide their weaknesses, doubts, and limitations. The freedom that Christ offers consists precisely in going beyond exclusive self-concern and opening one's heart to the generous creativity of love.

We cannot save ourselves alone

Leo XIV also addresses the value of humility and warns against a mentality that encourages doing everything on one's own and continually working on oneself to build a stronger personality. This attitude, he points out, can lead to believing that each person is their own savior. «A certain mentality tells us to do everything alone, to work on ourselves to continually improve, to build a stronger personality and character, but in the end this can lead us to believe that we are our own saviors."s»  (Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the XLI World Youth Day).

In contrast, the Gospel proposes another path: «We do not save ourselves, but rather we allow ourselves to be saved by Jesus Christ.» Recognizing our own limitations and opening ourselves to God does not mean losing our identity, but rather letting his love transform our daily lives, from personal relationships to the digital world. A love that, according to the message, is a source of freedom and strength.

Christ offers his peace and overcomes fear

Finally, the Holy Father invites young people to let Christ into their lives and their communities, even where wounds, disappointments, resentments or feelings of guilt remain: «Perhaps in their hearts and in the communities to which they belong there are also doors that remain closed because of disappointments, hurts, resentments, feelings of guilt"

«Christ comes to give them his peace and to reconcile them with one another. Christian courage is born from the presence of the risen Lord, who forgives and sends,» he writes.

The Pope compares this experience to that of the disciples in the Upper Room: the Risen Jesus entered even though the doors were locked and overcame their fears. Likewise, today he offers his peace and forgiveness to young people and communities who find themselves blocked by hurts and disappointments, so that fear does not have the final say.

The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life invites young people and youth ministry leaders to celebrate the 41st World Youth Day in all the particular Churches on November 22. It also encourages continued reflection and preparation in the following months for the international gathering in Seoul in August 2027.