Leo XIV called on young people to pursue their vocations, take risks and build meaningful friendships during a vigil in Lima.
Pope Leo XIV urged young people in Peru to pursue their aspirations, embrace their vocations and build meaningful relationships during a vigil attended by 60,000 people at Lima’s National Stadium on Thursday. The Vatican estimated that a further 300,000 people gathered outside the venue for the major youth event of his visit.
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“You are the sign of hope Peru needs,” Leo XIV told the crowd, which filled the stadium with red shirts, Peruvian flags and yellow clothing in the Vatican’s colors.
The gathering was the first major public event of the pope’s visit to Peru, where he spent more than 20 years as a missionary and church leader. Before addressing the crowd, he listened to testimonies from young people and watched a theatrical performance.
Drawing on a passage from the Gospel of John in which Jesus asks two disciples, “What are you looking for?”, Leo XIV invited those present to reflect on their own aspirations and expectations.
“What are you seeking? What do you want to find? What do you hope for in life?” he asked.
Highlights of Pope Leo’s Prayer Vigil with young people and university students in Lima, where he urged them to “not be afraid to speak to [Jesus] sincerely, even when you struggle to find the words to pray” because "He knows our tears and the questions to which we still have no… pic.twitter.com/t31L5YFJNk
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) November 13, 2026
His address focused on three themes: passion, vocation and friendship. He encouraged young people to pursue what is worthwhile, develop their talents and discover the richness of their cultural heritage.
Addressing those struggling with loneliness, personal loss or uncertainty about the future, the pope urged them to turn to Jesus with honesty and seek support from those who care about them. “Faith sustains us on that journey and reminds us that suffering never has the final word,” he said.
He also called on young people to take risks, pursue ambitious projects and assume responsibility for their lives, recalling the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
“Dare to undertake generous projects,” he said. “Do not settle for living according to what others expect of you. God created you capable of doing good in a way that no one else can accomplish in exactly the same way.”
Turning to the question of vocation, Leo XIV recalled Jesus’ invitation to the disciples: “Come and see.” He said some young people might be called to the priesthood or consecrated life, while others might find their path through marriage and raising a family.
He also addressed those who feel their past mistakes have left them with no chance to begin again.
“Look to Jesus. He knows your story and continues to invite you to walk with him,” he said. Young people, he added, did not need to have their entire future figured out before responding to that invitation. “Take the step you can take today.”
The pope’s third theme was friendship. He said closeness to God could foster deeper relationships with others, grounded in concern for their well-being, forgiveness and loyalty through difficult times.
He also reminded those who lead groups or support others that they did not always have to appear strong. “Allow yourselves to be cared for,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Leo XIV recalled how Andrew brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus, urging young people to follow that example and share their faith.
“A gesture of friendship can change the course of a life. Do not be afraid to speak about Jesus,” he said. He concluded with a final appeal: “Dear young people, listen to Jesus’ invitation and dare to follow him.”
The vigil took place a day after Leo XIV arrived in Lima, where around three million people welcomed him and followed his journey through the city in the popemobile. In his first address, he described Peru as his homeland, where he had lived for more than two decades, first as a missionary and later as a bishop.
He also acquired Peruvian nationality. Peru is the longest stop on his first Latin American tour, which has already taken him to Uruguay and Argentina. Beyond Lima, his itinerary includes Cusco, Pucallpa and Chiclayo, where he previously served as bishop, as well as the rural communities of Santa Cruz de Succhabamba and Zaña.
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.