Pope to Young People: Make Peace with Someone this Christmas

Vatican, Dec 20, 2025: Addressing young members and leaders of Italian Catholic Action on Friday, the Pope Leo encouraged them to value reconciliation above material gifts, noting that peace is far more precious than anything purchased from a shop.

While acknowledging the longing for peace in nations affected by conflict, he reminded the young people that harmony begins at home and in ordinary interactions—within families, parishes, schools and sports environments. As he stated, “We all desire this peace for nations wounded by conflict, but let us remember that harmony and respect begin in our daily relationships, in the gestures and words we exchange at home, at the parish, with schoolmates, in sports.”

Reflecting on the birth of Christ—described as the “Prince of Peace” in the Book of Isaiah—the Pope explained that peace is not simply the absence of war but a friendship among peoples grounded in justice. He added that peace is a gift found in the human heart and that promoting it represents a central Christian witness, calling it “a ‘Catholic action’ par excellence.”

Nativity scenes and the call to welcome all

Inviting young people to reflect before Nativity scenes set up in homes, schools and parishes, the Pope said these scenes reveal that around Christ there is space for everyone. He linked this message to Catholic Action’s 2025 youth theme, “There is room for everyone,” emphasising that the Lord welcomes people of every age and background.

He recalled that when the Son of God entered the world, He found no room in a house, yet continued to knock on human hearts, opening His own to receive all with love.

Following the example of young saints

The Pope further encouraged the young people to pray before Nativity scenes with the desire to imitate the angels who proclaim God’s glory and peace. He underlined that peace requires commitment from every person of good will, particularly Christians, who are called to grow better each day.

Pointing to the witness of Pier Giorgio Frassati, a member of Catholic Action, and Carlo Acutis, the Pope invited young people to model their lives on these figures. By doing so, he said, their proclamation of peace would shine brightly, rooted in friendship with Jesus and expressed through freedom, joy and care for those most in need.

Courtesy: Vatican News