Pope to US youth: Be open to what God has in store for you!

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Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo made history on New Year's Day with a surprise video message to tens of thousands of young Catholics gathered at the SEEK 2026 conference in Columbus, Denver, and Fort Worth. In the video Pope Leo invites young people to spend time with Jesus, whether they are meeting Him for the first time or deepening their relationship with him, and to always be open "to what the Lord has in store".

Jesus' question to the first disciples shows that he knew what was in their hearts, that they were "restless, but in a good way." They were open to God and longing to find meaning in their lives. In his message Pope Leo says Jesus is asking each of us that same question today.

"The answer," the Pope said, "is found in a person: The Lord Jesus alone brings us true peace and joy, and fulfils every one of our deepest desires."

Continuing to reflect on the experience of the first disciples, Pope Leo recalled that they asked where Jesus was staying. "It was not enough for someone else to tell them that Jesus is the Lamb of God," he said. "They wanted to get to know him personally by spending time with him.

The Holy Father told young people that they, too, would have the opportunity "to spend time with Lord" during the Conference - some for the first time, while others would have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus.

Pope Leo encouraged participants to "be open to what the Lord has in store for you," reminding them that though the disciples first encounter with Jesus lasted only a few days, it changed their lives forever.

Getting to know Jesus, the Pope continued, inspires "missionary zeal," as it did for St Andrew, who immediately went to tell his brother, St Peter, that he had found the Messiah.

Pope Leo prayed that young people at conference would "be moved by this same missionary zeal to share with those around you the joy that you have received from a genuine encounter with the Lord."

And he encourages them to not be afraid to ask God what He is calling them to: whether to priesthood, religious life, or marriage and family life. If you feel the call, he said, "do not be afraid… Let God lead and guide you!"

Pope Leo concluded his message by inviting his listeners to join him in asking Mary "to lead us to know Jesus Christ, her Son, so that we may truly come to know Him, to know His love for us, and the marvellous plan He has for each of our lives."

Pope Leo's message was introduced by Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus, who celebrated the opening Mass.

Reflecting on the events of Christmas in his homily, Bishop Fernandes said, "The sending of Christ into the world is worth celebrating." He highlighted not only the octave day of Christmas, but also the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, as well as the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus, celebrated by Eastern Christians on January 1.

He noted, too, the observance of the World Day of Peace, emphasizing Pope Leo's call for an "unarmed and disarming peace," the peace that comes from Christ.

Bishop Fernandes concluded his homily by invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, asking that she intercede for us "that we might know this peace now and in the year to come" and "that we may deepen our friendship with her Son, who came down from heaven so that we may ascend 'toward the heights.'"

"To the heights" is the seem of this years SEEK conference. The annual event, sponsored by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), is a five-day experience where thousands of Catholics come together to encounter Christ through prayer, Adoration, the sacraments, and inspiring speakers.

More than 25,000 young people are participating in the 26th SEEK Conference, which is taking place this week, January 1-5 in the U.S. cities of Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; and Fort Worth, Texas.

Watch Pope Leo's video message here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhxjDiZ1r1E