Pope Leo greets Franciscan University’s Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences in message on how to find joy

Pope Leo XIV sent a message this week to participants of Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Summer Youth Conferences, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, telling the young people that true joy and peace will not be found in “doom scrolling,” beauty, health, superficial relationships, or other temporal things — rather, it comes from love for God.

His reflection on peace and joy stemmed from a reflection on what St. Francis, the university’s patron, might have to say to young people in the present-day. The Holy Father noted that 2026 is the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.

If one were to encounter St. Francis during his life in Assisi, his greeting may have been “Pace e bene,” which means, “Peace and all good,” Pope Leo explained in the June 20 message. This greeting, which the saint often shared with others, “expresses one of the desires in his heart.”

“We too can ask ourselves: Do I desire true peace for those who come into contact with me?” Pope Leo continued. “Do I treat others in such a way that brings them peace?”

He acknowledged that some may say “this is not always easy,” and that sometimes one’s efforts, even directed to those they love the most, can create frustration and conflict instead. 

“We must bear in mind that Saint Francis was able to sow peace not because of his own efforts, but because he possessed within himself the source of true peace,” the Pope explained. “I have often repeated that peace is a gift from God, a gift we receive when we invite the Lord into our heart.”

Everyone is called to be “instruments of his peace,” in one’s family, community, country, and throughout the world, Pope Leo continued. He encouraged the conference attendees to use opportunities of silence to encounter Christ’s peace.

The Pontiff then turned to reflect on how to have authentic joy, noting that St. Francis himself had a reputation to be particularly joyful. 

“He delighted in the beauty of creation, in God’s infinite goodness and mercy, and in the conversion of sinners,” Pope Leo said. “And yet, you may be surprised by how he once explained what perfect joy is.” 

Pope Leo recounted how St. Francis once explained to a fellow religious brother that many supposed “good” things “do not lead to perfect joy,” prompting the other brother to ask him to teach about perfect joy. 

“In his response,” Pope Leo continued, “the saint described a tragic situation that implied suffering cold, hunger and rejection — the opposite of what you would expect — and added that if such difficulties are embraced with patience, without complaining and with love for God, ‘This is perfect joy.’”

Joy is only possible in difficult situations, Pope Leo continued, “if our life is founded upon our relationship with God as a loving Father.”

The Holy Father warned that endless scrolling on social media — also known as “doomscrolling” — is a poor use of the time God has given young people, who will not find what they are looking for on a screen.  

“Indeed, the joy of Saint Francis — the joy Saint Francis was speaking of — cannot be found through electronic devices, spending hours in front of a screen or endlessly scrolling on social media every day,” he said. “These activities often waste precious time that could be used for moments of silent prayer, of cultivating authentic friendships, spending quality time with family, learning more about our faith, studying or playing sports.”

“Joy should never be sought through drug use, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, superficial relationships, obsession about our image, or any kind of damaging behavior,” Pope Leo also urged the young people. “Surprisingly, neither can it be found in goods such as wealth, beauty, fame or even health, for one day we will leave all of this behind.”

The Pontiff challenged them to truly believe in the reality that God loves them, emphasizing that cultivating a trusting relationship with Him is the path to joy. 

“Only the love of God can provide us with true and perfect joy,” Pope Leo said. “If we have the profound conviction that God cares for us as his beloved children, we will not be flustered or discouraged, even in difficult situations.”

“Many of you have heard since you were little that God loves you,” he added. “But do you really believe it? You are precious in God’s eyes! You are unconditionally loved by him!”

“If you cultivate a trusting relationship with him, through regular prayer, through reception of the sacraments, if you abandon yourself into his hands, then anxiety, or sadness, and loneliness will fade away as his grace fills you and as his love inflames your heart,” he said. “This is the secret to being able to face challenging circumstances with a smile. Open your hearts to discover this reality.”

The Pontiff also encouraged the young people to be attentive and open to what vocation God may be calling them to. 

“Saint Francis’ message, and mine, is simple: true peace and perfect joy are gifts from God that come when we open ourselves to him and trust in his power to transform us,” he said. “What can we give him in return for such great love, for such generous gifts? Nothing but ourselves!”

“Today, the Lord needs missionaries to spread the word to those who do not know him, holy men and women to begin loving Catholic families, priests to be spiritual fathers and ministers of the sacraments as well as religious men and women to be witnesses of the true joy of his kingdom,” he added.

He encouraged the youth considering one of these vocations to not be afraid, but to “take a step forward and say to the Lord, ‘Here I am, send me!’”

He also encouraged them to not be afraid to share and talk about it with a trusted friend, religious sister, or priest.

According to a May 21 press release from Franciscan University, this year the institution is hosting four sold-out conferences in Steubenville, Ohio, and an additional 15 Steubenville Youth Conferences are being held at locations across North America.

Eighteen percent of all priests ordained this year in the U.S. attended a Steubenville Conference as a teen, according to Brian Kissinger, executive director of Conferences at Franciscan University.

“We are humbled and honored by the many ways that God continues to reach thousands of young people each year through our conferences,” Kissinger said in the release, “and the profound impact that these events have on the faith and vocations of young men and women.”

Pope Leo concluded by imparting his blessing, wishing the attendees “a fruitful conference,” and noting that he is praying for them to find true happiness. 

“Entrusting all of you to the maternal intercession of Our Lady, Cause of Our Joy,” he said, “I gladly invoke upon each of you the divine blessings of peace and strength.”