Pope Leo XIV meets with journalists at the Vatican after he was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025. Photo: Jesuit Media/General Curia Communications Office
By Dang Khoa Tran
During a meeting with young Catholics from the Archdiocese of Genoa (Arcidiocesi di Genova) Pope Leo XIV urged them not to be “couch potatoes,” saying the Church “needs your holy rebelliousness, your pure energy, and your desire to transform situations of suffering into spaces of hope.” By encouraging them to be a driving force in the Church, he offered a compelling vision for youth engagement.
His message underscored the inner dynamism of youth, describing “holy rebelliousness” as a quality born of the steadfast will and courageous hearts typical of their age — qualities that are interwoven with a consistent and concrete faith. Through this combination, young people are empowered to transform their lives from earthliness to heavenliness. In fact, all earthly activities can become holy values when they arise from the genuine desire for hope within the hearts of young people.
In particular, the Pope called on young people to “serve with joy, especially the most forgotten, for that is where the suffering face of Jesus is found.” This is a concrete invitation to embrace human life that holds both happiness and the pain of others. The deeper their commitment to engaging with the existing world with deep compassion and limitless charity, the greater glory of God they recognize. Consequently, the hope and the joy of young missionaries can be brought into real-life contexts — “in your schools, your universities, on your streets, and in your fields.” By using what they have learned to serve others, young people strive to fulfill themselves through professional growth, life experiences, and spiritual aspects.
In today’s digital age, the Pope urged young people to use social media and artificial intelligence “in a moderate and disciplined way,” warning against “an unreal world where the ephemeral, mere appearances, and deception end up taking the place of true values and what really matters.” He emphasizes that the example of young missionaries should resonate globally, inspiring hope among the poor and marginalized. Many young people dedicate their lives to serving others and helping them recognize the merciful face of God. The Pope further encouraged youth to “harness your restlessness,” channeling it toward meaningful and true vocations within the Church.
Through “holy rebelliousness,” a transformative way of living, and authentic witness, young people are empowered to become missionaries in today’s world, making an impact within the very fabric of their daily lives.
Author
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Dang Khoa Tran, also known as Dominic, is a Jesuit scholastic from Vietnam. He spent a seven-week “field placement” (practical experience) at Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) as part of his Master of Divinity program at Regis College, at the University of Toronto.
Dang Khoa Tran, also known as Dominic, is a Jesuit scholastic from Vietnam. He spent a seven-week “field placement” (practical experience) at Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) as part of his Master of Divinity program at Regis College, at the University of Toronto. 