Pope Leo XIV issued a video message on August 1, 2026, addressing participants at the National Youth Day (JNJ) in Chulucanas, Peru, where he urged young Catholics to break away from individualistic comfort and act as instruments of divine hope, according to Renato Martinez.
Pope Leo XIV Addresses National Youth Day Peru 2026 in Chulucanas
More than 4,000 participants gathered in Chulucanas, located in the Piura region, for the National Youth Day running from July 30 to August 2, 2026. The gathering brought together young people, bishops, priests, and religious figures from across Peru. The event was organized by the Episcopal Commission for Youth and Laity alongside the Diocese of Chulucanas with the core aim of strengthening personal bonds with Jesus Christ and promoting a synodal, missionary Church.
Overcoming Individualism Through Faith Communities
In his video message released on August 1, Pope Leo XIV used the event’s theme to challenge attendees to embrace courage in their faith. The Pontiff told the youth, “Sé valiente, Cristo vive” (Be courageous, Christ lives), emphasizing that the living presence of the Lord acts as an inner fire. This certainty, the Pope stated, pushes believers to step outside the comfort of individualism to form genuine bonds of friendship within a community of brothers and sisters in faith, proving that living united in Christ remains possible.
Did you know?
The National Youth Day in Peru brings together thousands of young pilgrims and church leaders to foster a synodal and missionary Church, relying on local dioceses and episcopal commissions for coordination.
Serving as Instruments of Hope and Divine Light
Pope Leo XIV called on participants to keep their hearts open to divine gifts during the gathering in the Piura region. The Pontiff urged attendees not to fear becoming instruments of God called to reawaken hope in suffering hearts. Furthermore, the Pope instructed the youth to carry their experiences beyond temporary digital formats like smartphone photos or social media clips, asking them instead to share their joyful and contagious witness with individuals in need.
Entrusting Peruvian Youth to Our Lady of Evangelization
Concluding his message before imparting his apostolic blessing, Pope Leo XIV entrusted all participants to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Evangelization. The Pontiff prayed that she would intercede so that the young attendees might truly act as “salt and light” of Christ throughout Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the National Youth Day Peru 2026 take place?
The event took place from July 30 to August 2, 2026, in the city of Chulucanas, located in the Piura region of Peru.
Who organized the JNJ Perú 2026 event?
The event was organized by the Episcopal Commission for Youth and Laity together with the Diocese of Chulucanas.
How many people participated in the gathering?
More than 4,000 individuals attended, including young people, bishops, priests, and religious men and women from across Peru.
What was the central message of Pope Leo XIV’s video address?
The Pope encouraged young people to abandon individualistic comfort, form strong communities in faith, and act as courageous instruments of God to reawaken hope in suffering hearts.
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