Pope Leo XIV has told young Catholics across West Africa that they are not a sacrificed generation but “the today of God” and “the today of the Church,” urging them to embrace their role in shaping the future of the Church and their societies.
The Pope made the call to participants of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA) World Youth Day, taking place from September 7 to 12 in Achimota School of the Archdiocese of Accra. He commended the bishops of the 16 participating countries for placing young people at the heart of their pastoral priorities.
Pope Leo said the gathering offered a powerful opportunity for young Catholics to grow in faith and become enriched by values such as encounter, dialogue and openness to others. He acknowledged the weight of doubt, uncertainty and insecurity that many young people face in a rapidly changing world.
“At a time when so many crises seem to darken your horizon, I wish to encourage you to move forward without losing hope,” the Pope said, urging the youth not to allow their difficulties to define their future.
He stressed that young West Africans should not consider themselves a sacrificed generation, but rather “the today of God” and “the today of the Church.” According to him, young people possess talents, energy, dreams and hopes which constitute a treasure for both the Church and the wider world.
Pope Leo encouraged the youth to embrace the responsibility of walking together to bring about positive change in their societies. He explained that walking together requires ensuring that no one is marginalised, isolated, excluded or rejected, while urging the youth to become builders of bridges among peoples, cultures and religions.
“The Church trusts you and relies on your goodwill,” he said, challenging the young people to use their words and actions to send a powerful message to a world troubled by wars and conflicts. He called on them to become witnesses of love, justice and peace.
The Pope also cautioned young people against sacrificing their precious years to artificial pleasures and superficiality, urging them to stop “doom-scrolling” and instead look beyond themselves in pursuit of their deepest aspirations.
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