The September 7-11 event is being celebrated on the theme, “Take Courage, Catholic Youth, as Actors and Agents of Peace and Hope in West Africa.”
Organized by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA/CERAO), the gathering has brought together youths from the 16 countries in the West African region.
In his message, the Holy Father urged the young people to emulate Christ in all aspects of their lives, especially when it comes to interacting and serving others.
“We must commit ourselves to living as Jesus, our Master and Lord, lived, who excluded no one from his journey. He recognized the presence of God in those who lived on the margins of society, even in those who did not belong to his own people,” he said.
He also expressed happiness at the initiative of the Catholic Bishops in Western Africa for placing the youths at the Center of the church.
“I am pleased by this beautiful initiative of the Episcopal Conferences of your countries, which have placed young people at the heart of their pastoral priorities,” he said.
The Pope added, “I am convinced that these powerful moments spent together will help you to grow in faith and become ever more deeply enriched by values such as encounter and openness to others.”
The Holy Father assured the young people of the West African region of his prayers, especially for the countries still experiencing crises.
“I entrust you to the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, thinking especially of those countries of yours that, at times, face complex crises. May she intercede with her Son, Jesus Christ, for the integral human development of your dear nations,” he said.
The Pope also prayed for the Clergy and all those involved in accompanying young people, invoking divine grace upon their ministry and service.