According to Vatican News reporter Isabella H. de Carvalho, Pope Leo XIV urged young Brazilians on Sunday, July 26, to channel their youth into a force for evangelization to help others discover Jesus. Speaking via a video message broadcast during the annual “Halleluya” Catholic music festival in Fortaleza, the pontiff emphasized that faith must actively shape the modern world.
Pope Leo XIV Calls Young Brazilians to Evangelize at Halleluya Festival
The message was delivered for the conclusion of the Halleluya Festival, which ran from July 22 to July 26 in northeastern Brazil. Organized annually by the Shalom Catholic Community—a private association of the faithful—the event blends contemporary music with Catholic worship. According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV told attendees that the Holy Spirit should reawaken a profound love inside them to build the “City of God present in middle of the city of men,” echoing Saint Augustine.
Did you know? The Halleluya Festival is an annual Catholic music event held in Fortaleza, Brazil, organized by the Shalom Catholic Community.
Proclaiming Christ as the Answer to Deepest Human Yearnings
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the contagious enthusiasm of young people and the vital role their missionary spirit plays in transforming society. The pontiff stressed that many people today still need to learn that Jesus satisfies humanity’s most profound desires by revealing the truth about each individual.
“He is the Way, the Truth and the Life,” Pope Leo XIV stated in his video address, as reported by Isabella H. de Carvalho. He urged young people to proclaim courageously that a life without Christ lacks grace, adding that this faith is worth sharing with loved ones and those in greatest need.
Maintaining Faith Through Prayer and Managing Technology Wisely
Addressing the reality that religious enthusiasm can fade over time, Pope Leo XIV underlined the necessity of prayer to keep the flame of faith alive. According to Vatican News, he encouraged constancy and perseverance, reminding youth that “Christ does not take away anything, He gives everything.”
Drawing on the example of Carlo Acutis—a young modern saint known for using the internet to spread the faith—the Pope warned against the pitfalls of the digital age. He advised the audience to use social media and artificial intelligence with moderation and discipline, cautioning that unchecked digital habits can pull users into an unreal world where superficial appearances replace genuine values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Halleluya Festival?
The Halleluya Festival is an annual Catholic music event held in Fortaleza, Brazil, organized by the Shalom Catholic Community to engage youth through faith and culture.
Who organized the video message for the festival?
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV sent the video message, which was broadcast on Sunday, July 26, to address young participants at the gathering.
What modern figure did Pope Leo XIV cite regarding technology?
The pontiff cited Carlo Acutis, a young saint recognized for his digital evangelization efforts, while warning young people to use artificial intelligence and social media with discipline.
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