Pope Leo XIV encourages young Iraqi Christians gathered in Ankawa to become missionaries of faith, love and hope, urging them to be Christ’s light and peacemakers in a land marked by conflict and instability.
As young people from across Iraq gather in Ankawa, in the Archeparchy of Erbil, for their annual Youth Meeting from 8 to 11 July, Pope Leo XIV is encouraging them to embrace their vocation as missionaries of hope, urging them to become “Christ’s light” in a country that continues to experience the consequences of war and instability.
In a video message to the gathering, dedicated this year to the theme Mission, the Pope reminds participants that they have an indispensable role in the life of the Church today.
“The Church has a vital mission to serve the world by sharing the light of Christ,” he says, encouraging the young people to help “shape the Church — and the world — in the years to come.”
Recalling a conviction he has expressed previously, Pope Leo emphasises that “young people are not only the future of the Church, but also the present.” And recognising the difficult reality many Iraqi Christians continue to face, the Pope acknowledges that witnessing to the Gospel is often demanding. “It is not always easy to be a light in the world,” he says. “You are called to radiate this light in a situation that has often been marked by war and instability. “Do not be afraid, Even so, he urges them not to lose heart. “Do not be afraid! And do not think that you are alone in this task. I am with you; the Church is with you. Place your trust in Jesus.”
