Tens of thousands of young people from 73 countries are taking part from August 1 to 6 in the International Youth Prayer Festival of Medjugorje, held this year under the motto Ad fontem!, “To the source!” On the occasion of the gathering, Leo XIV has asked them to return to Christ, “source of new life and authentic joy,” and not to be seduced by “the deceptions of fleeting happiness.”
The papal message, dated in Vatican City on July 7 and signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was read during the opening of the festival by the Apostolic Visitor for the parish of Medjugorje, Archbishop Aldo Cavalli.
In the text, the Pope invites the participants to rediscover, through prayer, listening to the Word of God, and the sacraments, “the beauty of the personal encounter with the Lord, who quenches the thirst of every heart and grants the strength to begin anew always.”
Young people from 73 countries gathered in Medjugorje
This year, Mladifest has brought together young people from Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Over six days, they take part in Masses, catechesis sessions, conferences, testimonies, adoration, and confessions, as well as pilgrimages to the Hill of Apparitions and Križevac.
Among the countries represented are Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Croatia, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Ukraine, Lebanon, the Holy Land, South Korea, China, India, Nigeria, Kenya, and Vatican City.
The parish priest of Medjugorje, Fr. Zvonimir Pavičić, welcomed the pilgrims before the reading of Leo XIV’s message and the inaugural Mass, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt.
Seeking the truth that sets us free
Leo XIV encourages the young people to sincerely seek “the Truth that sets them free” and not to equate happiness with immediate success, social recognition, or fleeting pleasures. He also notes that doubts and anxieties should not necessarily be seen as obstacles to the Christian life; in following Jesus, they can become “an opportunity for discernment and growth in faith.”
During the homily, Chullikatt took up this idea and posed a question to those present: “What is it that truly sets our life free? Success? Acceptance? Well-being? The image others have of us? Or fidelity to the Gospel?”
The Nuncio warned that contemporary culture offers numerous “false sources of happiness,” including quick success, notoriety, possessions, and fleeting pleasures, which he described as “seductive promises” capable of leaving the heart “even more thirsty.”
A call to vocation and Christian coherence
Chullikatt also expressed his confidence that some of the participants will hear during these days a call to the priesthood, consecrated life, or a more committed Christian witness in the midst of the world.
“I am convinced that many of you, as has already happened to so many before you, will hear precisely during this pilgrimage to Medjugorje the voice of the Lord calling you to the priesthood, to consecrated life, or to give a generous Christian witness in the world,” he stated.
The Archbishop also recalled that fidelity to the Gospel often requires a “small martyrdom of coherence”: telling the truth, keeping a clear conscience, acting with integrity, forgiving, and choosing Christ even when His teaching contradicts the prevailing environment.
The Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, the Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia, Leopoldo Girelli, the parish priest of Medjugorje, and 518 other bishops and priests. After the celebration, Eucharistic adoration took place.
Witnesses of the Gospel and builders of peace
In the final part of his message, Leo XIV exhorts the young people to let themselves be guided by the Holy Spirit and to entrust themselves to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.
The Pontiff asks that they become “luminous witnesses of the Gospel, promoters of fraternity, and builders of peace in society,” before assuring them of his remembrance in prayer and imparting the apostolic blessing.
At the beginning of the Mass, Chullikatt described the presence of the young people as “a luminous sign of hope for the Church” and affirmed that they represent “its young face, its vitality, and its future.”
The recent attack on the shrine
This edition of the festival is taking place just days after the vandalistic act committed on July 28 at the outdoor altar of the parish of St. James the Apostle, where the main events of Mladifest are held. The altar was set on fire, and an image of the Virgin appeared covered with offensive inscriptions.
During his homily, the Nuncio specifically referred to these events and warned that attacks on religious symbols and places of worship not only wound believers but also harm “universal values such as religious freedom, respect for the sacred, and the dignity of the human person.”
After mentioning “the recent acts of destruction and desecration committed here in Medjugorje,” Chullikatt observed a few moments of silence together with the young people gathered before the outdoor altar. He then recalled that Christians are not called to respond “with hatred or revenge,” but “with the serene strength of the Gospel, bearing witness to truth in love, to forgiveness in justice, and to hope in peace.”
Below we provide the full text of Leo XIV’s message:
Medjugorje, from August 1 to 6, 2026
On the occasion of the Medjugorje Youth Festival, Pope Leo XIV extends his cordial greeting to all participants and urges them to return AD FONTEM, that is, to Christ, source of new life and authentic joy. He therefore invites them to rediscover, through prayer, listening to the Word of God, and the sacraments, the beauty of the personal encounter with the Lord, who quenches the thirst of every heart and grants the strength to begin anew always.
His Holiness encourages the young people to sincerely seek the Truth that sets them free, without allowing themselves to be seduced by the illusions of fleeting happiness. In following Jesus, indeed, each person can welcome even the most difficult questions and the anxieties of the heart as an opportunity for discernment and growth in faith.
Likewise, the Holy Father exhorts the young people to let themselves be guided by the Holy Spirit and to entrust themselves to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, so that they may become luminous witnesses of the Gospel, promoters of fraternity, and builders of peace in society.
While assuring them of his remembrance in prayer, the Supreme Pontiff invokes upon all the abundance of divine grace and cordially imparts the apostolic blessing.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness