In front of the Church of Saint Devota, patron saint of the Principality of Monaco, Pope Leo XIV met with young people and catechumens from the country. The meeting, which took place in the square in front of the church, was the third stop on his trip to the tiny state. There, the Holy Father listened to the testimonies of several young people, including four catechumens—Benjamin, Andreia, Ethan, and Sophie—who asked him questions about how to live the Catholic faith in a society distracted from spirituality and indifferent to the needs of the most vulnerable.

The Pope began his address by warmly greeting those present and thanking the Archbishop for his words. Drawing inspiration from the figure of Saint Devota, the young martyr to whom the Church is dedicated, he recalled how she bore witness to her faith “in the face of the violence of her persecutors, even unto martyrdom.” Despite attempts to erase all memory of her, her sacrifice “carried the message of peace and love of the Gospel even further.”

“This helps us reflect on the fact that good is stronger than evil, even when, at times, it seems to be losing. Not only that, it also reminds us that the witness of faith is a seed that can reach and fertilize hearts and distant places, far beyond our expectations and possibilities,” said Leo XIV.

The Pope also mentioned that the memorial of Saint Carlo Acutis, another young man “in love with Jesus,” faithful to the end through charity, his internet apostolate—of which he is the patron saint—and his suffering, had recently been added to the commemoration in that same church. “Dear young people,” he said, “these two saints encourage us and inspire us to imitate them. Indeed, even today, as has been noted, faith faces challenges and obstacles, but nothing can tarnish its beauty and truth. Proof of this lies in the ever-increasing number of men and women of all ages who desire to know the Lord and ask for Baptism.”

The love that gives solidity to life

Responding to a question about how to avoid becoming estranged from oneself, others, and God in the face of the distractions of a constantly changing world, the Pope pointed out that it is “a fundamental aspect of Christian life”: the vitality of the relationship with Christ and the sense of unity it generates.

He acknowledged that the modern and postmodern eras have brought “many good things” and new possibilities, but also “significant challenges” that must be faced with clarity. He described a world “that always seems to be in a hurry, eager for novelty, loving a fluidity without ties,” marked by continuous changes even in personal identity.

“But what gives life solidity is love; the fundamental experience of God’s love, first and foremost, and then, by extension, the illuminating and sacred experience of mutual love. And loving one another, while on the one hand requiring openness to growth and therefore to change, on the other hand demanding fidelity, constancy, and a willingness to sacrifice in daily life,” he explained.

Only in this way, he added, “does restlessness find peace and fill the inner void,” not with material things, “not even with the recognition of thousands of ‘likes,’ or with conditional affiliations.” He invited everyone to “clear the door of their hearts” so that “the healthy, oxygenating air of grace” and “the strong wind of the Holy Spirit” can enter. To achieve this, he recommended “prayer, moments of silence and listening” that allow us to quiet the frenzy of messages, reels, and chats, and “deepen and savor the beauty of truly and concretely being together.”

Witnesses of hope

Regarding the practice of charity and being “witnesses of hope” for those who suffer, the Pope emphasized that appropriate words and gestures “are not improvised nor do they come from ourselves: they are born from a deep relationship with God.” When that channel is open and love is shared, “we can trust that the right words and the necessary strength to act will come at the opportune moment.”

In closing, Leo XIV addressed a clear message to the young people and catechumens:

“Do not be afraid to give everything—your time, your energy—to God and to your brothers and sisters, to give yourselves completely to the Lord and to others. Only in this way will you find ever-new joy and an ever-deepening meaning in life. The world needs your witness to overcome the drifts of our time and face its challenges, and above all to rediscover the sweet taste of love for God and neighbor.”

Addressing the catechumens in particular, he reminded them: “You are the youthful face of this Church and this State. Monaco is a small country, but it can be a great workshop of solidarity, a window to hope. Bring the Gospel to your work decisions, to your social and political commitments, to give a voice to the voiceless, spreading a culture of care. Make everything a gift from yourselves to God and live it.”

The meeting highlighted the importance of the testimony of young people in a society marked by indifference and constant change, inviting them to be bearers of hope and solidarity from the small Principality of Monaco.