Pope Leo XIV: Listen to God's call and follow Him with determination

By Deborah Castellano Lubov "An encounter with Jesus Christ fills the heart with joy and gives us the strength to be witnesses of His love and His mercy.” Pope Leo XIV offered this comforting reminder in a video message he sent to participants in Ecuador's 7th National Youth Day, taking place in Ibarra this weekend, under the theme, "Take courage; I have conquered the world" (John 16:33). Answer His call In his remarks, the Pope stressed that Christ gives their lives meaning. “I encourage you," he said, "to listen to the Lord's call and to follow Him with determination.” The Holy Father also reminded the young people that they are precious to the Church. Draw others to Christ with your joy “The Church needs your joy, your courage, and your witness so that many others may come to know Christ,” he said, adding, “Allow yourselves to be transformed by His love.” Finally, the Pope called on them to become promoters of forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace, and entrusted all the young people of Ecuador to Our Lady of the Presentation. “May Mary,” Pope Leo prayed, “be the model who inspires you to live the Gospel and to dedicate yourselves, as she did, to God's plan for your lives.”