Cardinal Leo's Message for World Youth Day 2025
Cardinal Leo's Message for World Youth Da
202523 November 2025
His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo
Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, especially the Youth of the Archdiocese of Toronto, May Jesus and Mary be in your soul.
I am writing to you on the occasion of the 40th World Youth Day, which is celebrated this year on
November 23rd, the Solemnity of Christ the King. Many people don’t realize that World Youth
Day is an annual celebration that is observed locally. The larger international celebrations tend to
draw more attention, with the next international gathering happening in Seoul Korea in 2027.
Regardless of where World Youth Day happens, the invitation to pray, learn, serve, and celebrate
our faith in Jesus Christ remains at the centre of all World Youth Days.
The 2025 World Youth Day’s theme, drawn from the Gospel of St. John, “You also are my
witnesses, because you have been with me” (Jn 15:27), highlights the importance of a living
encounter with Jesus, our King. The dyad of being with Jesus and giving witness to him
encapsulates the Christian life and reminds us that as Pilgrims of Hope, we journey with Christ
the King into all spheres and sectors of life.
The Papal document inaugurating the Holy Year called Spes non Confundit (Hope Does Not
Disappoint) draws special attention to some of the situations young people may find themselves
in their daily life and walk of faith. For instance, we are told that in “the very embodiment of
hope,” young people often face very real struggles; the frustration of dreams, uncertain prospects
after school, lack of employment, and the temptation to escape into harmful behaviors (Spes non
Confundit, 12). As members of the Church, God’s family of faith, we are called to draw close to
adolescents, students, and young couples and reach out in accompaniment and support, restoring
confidence and renewing hope that their dreams can be realized within God’s plan (cf. Spes non
Confundit, 12). The youth of the archdiocese play a special and crucial role in our proclamation of
the Gospel because they witness among their peers in a way that only a friend is able. We look to
our young people not as the Church of tomorrow but as witnesses of hope today.
The call to witness is not without challenge; it can be exhausting, discouraging and frustrating.
Nevertheless, young people are called to give witness to God’s love without fear, to lift up the
weary, and to give testimony that Christ’s kingdom is real, even amid times of struggle. To be a
witness to God’s love and hope is to stand with Christ in mission. The Solemnity of Christ the King
reminds us that Jesus’ reign is revealed in service and sacrifice. He is a King who washes feet (Jn
13:1–15), welcomes the poor (Mt 25:31–46), and forgives enemies (Lk 23:34). We have a great
opportunity to mirror the Kingship of Jesus Christ in our lives - through courage in proclaiming
our faith, consistency in living the Gospel, and perseverance in standing for justice and dignity
(cf. Christus Vivit, 174–178).
Our celebration of World Youth Day during this special year of grace, the Jubilee, is more than a
celebration; it is a commissioning. I am asking the youth of the Archdiocese of Toronto to bring
the light of Christ into families, schools, workplaces, and the digital world. Be living and strong
witnesses to hope in your realities. In dioceses around the world, young people will gather to
reflect and pray, discovering anew that Jesus is alive in their midst, and that God’s love knows no
bounds. In the Archdiocese of Toronto, I invite our young people (18-39) to consider joining us
on the weekend of November 21-23 to celebrate our faith during our annual Renew Toronto
Conference. Take seriously the call to be Pilgrims of Hope and heralds of a kingdom that is
continually breaking into the world, to be sacramental symbols who are imbued with God’s love
and providential care.
My dear Young People, I want you to know how precious you are in the eyes of God and of our
archdiocesan family; you are blessed in so many ways; you have been gifted in numerous
manners; you have enormous potential inside of you; you are under the gaze of the Lord Jesus;
you have a mission to accomplish; you have the abundant life to live; you are loved. And we
are here for you, accompanying you, challenging you, teaching you, encouraging you, loving you
and walking with you. You are not alone - we care for you so very much.
May the Blessed Ever Virgin Mary, through her intercession and love for you, help you come to
know the beauty you possess inside and the awesome part you are called to play in bringing about
Christ’s reign in the hearts, minds and very lives of the people the Lord places in your path.
