우리가 따르고 증언해야하는 그리스도의 빛 3가지 모습 2026.7.8(수) 이라크 안카라 청년대회

July 8, 2026 (Wed) Ankara Youth Day, Iraq Video Source: Vatican Media Dear young people, I extend my heartfelt and joyful greetings to all of you participating in the Ankara Youth Day, held in the Archdiocese of Erbil, Iraq. You have gathered here from all over Iraq, in this place filled with faith and fellowship. I pray that this gathering will be a time of grace for all of you, deepening your communion with Jesus and your friendship with one another. Youth is a time filled with great dreams and aspirations to make this world beautiful. That is why I am so glad and delighted to hear that you have chosen "Mission" as the theme for this gathering this year. The Church holds a truly precious and holy mission to share the light of Christ with the whole world and lead everyone to communion with God. You have all been called to the mission of evangelization, and I believe that you will make the Church and the world beautiful. You young people, you are not only the future of the Church, but also, right now, this This is the present of the church living in the moment. Living as the light of the world is by no means an easy task. Moreover, at this very moment, you are being called to shine this light brightly in the midst of a land deeply etched with the wounds of war and anxiety. The Lord has shown great faith in entrusting you with this missionary calling, and I, too, have deep faith in you. Even in the midst of darkness that is sometimes difficult to bear, you must become the light of Christ. Do not be afraid! And do not think that you are walking this path alone! I and all the churches of the world are with you! Entrust yourselves to Jesus. Pray, guide your neighbors, and let His light lead you. The light of Christ is precious to our faith. Such light of Christ possesses three aspects. The first aspect is that, just as light is essential for seeing the world, so too is our faith. Faith in God is not a means to endure the hardships of life. Rather, faith is facing reality as it is and living truthfully. It enables us to view the world, our neighbors, and ourselves through God's eyes. The path of faith is to keep our hearts and eyes focused on the Kingdom of God and live the journey of life. It makes us realize that the Lord is with us, even though He is invisible. Furthermore, your lives themselves must bear witness to your faith. So that people may find true life in the way you live, and ultimately share the light of Christ with you. The second aspect of the light is that it conveys warmth. It is love. In order for us to become the light of the world, we must first accept the light and life of Christ. Stepping out on the path of the Lord's mission. To do so, first, a living relationship with God is necessary, and you must know Him deeply. When we open our hearts wide to God’s love that transforms us, we receive the grace to live a life led by Jesus. To receive the light of Christ, it is important to take time for prayer every day and to draw near to God through the sacraments, especially through Confession and the Eucharist. Open your hearts wide to God’s love for you and seek the Sacred Heart of Jesus. And do not be afraid to build your life upon Him. When you live in this way, you will not only find true fullness, but you will also be able to share the warmth of God’s love and His grace of reconciliation with your neighbors. The third aspect of the light is that the light of Christ shows the hope that is essential for growth and new life. Living by the love of the Lord, you are especially called to become peacemakers. You are called to unite your neighbors and spread to them the hope of a future full of peace. All things Things may not go according to your will. However, it is always your choice to let the Lord's peace comfort your hearts. Hope lifts our gaze toward heaven. This does not mean that you should turn away from the world. Share the peace and life of Christ in your lives. The light of Christ illuminates the New Jerusalem forever. Beloved young people, never doubt God's goodness, and do not fear the plan the Lord has prepared for all of you. The prophet Jeremiah, too, had to face difficult moments. Yet he testified that the Lord's plan is "not a plan of disaster, but a plan of peace, intended to give us a future and hope." I entrust each and every one of you to the benevolent protection and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Eternal Church. During this time of grace for spiritual renewal, I pray that you will discover, within the grace of the benevolent Blessed Virgin, the true model of a life completely consecrated to God's grace. May God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit Almighty bless all who are gathered here. Amen