Pope calls on Spanish youth to “be the sparks of a new humanity”

Vatican News

The final event of Pope Leo XIV’s first day in Spain took place at Madrid’s Plaza de Lima where he led a youth prayer vigil. Over six hundred thousand lined the main avenue leading to the square and the surrounding streets to participate in the celebration which consisted of youth representatives asking the Pope questions about faith, testimony and life in the modern age, with the Pope answering each question. The prayer vigil with Eucharistic adoration marked the final celebration and event on the Pope’s very busy Saturday agenda of his week-long visit to the nation.

Prayer Vigil with young People in Madrid   (@Vatican Media)

After introductory words from Madrid’s Metropolitan Archbishop, Cardinal José Cobo Cano, who spoke about the challenges facing today’s youth, the Pope heard the questions put forward to him by the youth.  In response to a question about people who inspired his faith, the Pope cited Saint John Chrysostom, admired for combining truth with integrity; Thomas of Villanueva, whose charity strengthened him during difficult times; and Turibius of Mogrovejo, known for defending justice and serving the people. Drawing on his own years as a missionary in Peru, the Pope recalled how encounters with communities facing hardship deepened his faith and transformed him through the Gospel.

Prayer Vigil with young People in Madrid   (@Vatican Media)

Addressing questions from young participants, he encouraged them to seek God’s voice through prayer and silence, remain committed to truth, and recognize that both religious life and marriage are genuine vocations. He stressed that authentic Christian witness begins with personal coherence and humility, reminding educators and leaders that everyone remains a disciple before becoming a teacher.

Prayer Vigil with young People in Madrid   (@Vatican Media)

The Pope underscored the importance of silence especially given how the modern world is marked by constant noise, consumerism, and self-interest. He described silence as the space where people can recognize God’s voice, distinguish truth from illusion, and discover lasting meaning.

The Pope also spoke about living faithfully in contemporary society. Quoting the ancient Letter to Diognetus, he said Christians should be fully engaged in the modern world without becoming captive to passing fashions or ideologies. Faith, he argued, provides genuine freedom and hope beyond material success, pleasure, or power. And he emphasized how ideologies and trends pass away, while truth remains.

Prayer Vigil with young People in Madrid   (@Vatican Media)

In conclusion, Pope Leo challenged his young listeners to become agents of positive change in society, including in the digital world. He urged them to communicate the values and beauty of the Gospel, combat indifference, violence, and falsehood, and become “the sparks of a new humanity.” He encouraged them to be trustworthy, seek justice, and treat others as they themselves wish to be treated.

In his final appeal, the Pope called on young people to be authentically human by following the example of Christ. He described faith not simply as belief but as a way of life expressed through charity, which he called the virtue most capable of changing history and which can empower them to change the world for the better.

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Prayer Vigil with young People in Madrid   (@Vatican Media)